Owners have filed 248 complaints
about the 2010 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Dodge Avenger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 22
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
52.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
63.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
63.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4122.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3117.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3720.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4022.0%
150,000+ miles
168.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Dodge Avenger 4DR. w/SAB
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2010peak 11May 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Dodge Avenger
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2016448139,513 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles in certain types of crashes, airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment capability may be lost due to a short in the front impact sensor wiring affecting Occupant Restraint Controller function. Failure of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Controller module.
Recall 20103595,860 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly, resulting in power steering fluid leakage which could cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering pressure hoses.
Recall 20100093,514 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the brake booster input rod may have been installed without the retaining clip, or in some cases, with an improperly formed retaining clip. Should the input rod separate from the assembly it could lead to a loss of brakes, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install or replace the retaining clips.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
ENGINE
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLisbon, NDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN HIS DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN A SNOW DRIFT, HE ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE BY REVVING THE ENGINE SO THE VEHICLE COULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT STATED THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE BUT HE WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER AS HE WAS DRIVING A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE EXHAUST INSULATION HAD BURNT AS RESULT THE PLASTIC GAS TANK WAS DAMAGED WITH HOLES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED IF HE DRIVE THE VEHICLE A FIRE WOULD IGNITE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A FEW YEARS AGO, THAT SNOW HAD ENTERED THE RADIATOR FAN AND BLEW OUT A MOTOR INSTEAD OF A FUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HE WAS CURRENTLY DRIVING WITH ONE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR. THIS WAS ALSO A POTENTIAL FIRE CONCERN TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11309842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLisbon, NDFire
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN HIS DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN A SNOW DRIFT, HE ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE BY REVVING THE ENGINE SO THE VEHICLE COULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT STATED THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE BUT HE WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER AS HE WAS DRIVING A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE EXHAUST INSULATION HAD BURNT AS RESULT THE PLASTIC GAS TANK WAS DAMAGED WITH HOLES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED IF HE DRIVE THE VEHICLE A FIRE WOULD IGNITE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A FEW YEARS AGO, THAT SNOW HAD ENTERED THE RADIATOR FAN AND BLEW OUT A MOTOR INSTEAD OF A FUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HE WAS CURRENTLY DRIVING WITH ONE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR. THIS WAS ALSO A POTENTIAL FIRE CONCERN TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11309842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLisbon, NDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN HIS DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN A SNOW DRIFT, HE ATTEMPTED TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE BY REVVING THE ENGINE SO THE VEHICLE COULD ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THE CONTACT STATED THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE BUT HE WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOWEVER AS HE WAS DRIVING A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE EXHAUST INSULATION HAD BURNT AS RESULT THE PLASTIC GAS TANK WAS DAMAGED WITH HOLES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED IF HE DRIVE THE VEHICLE A FIRE WOULD IGNITE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT A FEW YEARS AGO, THAT SNOW HAD ENTERED THE RADIATOR FAN AND BLEW OUT A MOTOR INSTEAD OF A FUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND HE WAS CURRENTLY DRIVING WITH ONE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR. THIS WAS ALSO A POTENTIAL FIRE CONCERN TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11309842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tyler, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
brakes are bad paint and body arent in good condition have had some stalling problems
NHTSA complaint #11735706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyler, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
brakes are bad paint and body arent in good condition have had some stalling problems
NHTSA complaint #11735706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyler, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
brakes are bad paint and body arent in good condition have had some stalling problems
NHTSA complaint #11735706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lilburn, GA
AIR BAGS
Every time I start my car, the airbag lights stays on. It will not turn off.
NHTSA complaint #11632377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Right turn signal has gone dismantled. It works erratically. Previously Baxter changed it. It had warranty for 3 years or 36000 miles. 3 years has passed but it did not surpassed 36000 miles yet. New motherboard of this system unavailable in market.
NHTSA complaint #11606228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesOttawa Lake, MI
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to lower the driver's side window, the window fell off the track and fell into the door panel. The contact stated that the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the window regulator. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred an additional five times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San tan Valley, AZ
AIR BAGS
Airbag lights turns on and off and I think it's a manufacturer problem with the harness behind or under the seat. I read it's a common problem.
NHTSA complaint #11567251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesOmaha, NE
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced an electrical short. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V475000 (Steering) and 10V009000 (Service Braces, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesOmaha, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced an electrical short. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V475000 (Steering) and 10V009000 (Service Braces, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
WHEELS
Car won’t move in drive or reverse
NHTSA complaint #11500942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
Car won’t move in drive or reverse
NHTSA complaint #11500942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,100 milesMilwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle started rattling at the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted to park, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a malfunction with an unknown part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,100.
NHTSA complaint #11497010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,100 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle started rattling at the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted to park, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a malfunction with an unknown part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,100.
NHTSA complaint #11497010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,086 milesLas Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would not immediately restart. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced. The PCM was replaced with an aftermarket part however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contact and informed that the manufacturer PCM part had been discontinued and was no longer available for purchase. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 142,086.
NHTSA complaint #11480572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pacifica, CA
POWER TRAIN
The transmission began slipping on Saturday, July 23, 2022 with 120,000 miles on the odometer. The car was driving normally then suddenly went into neutral causing it to slow down and back up traffic until I manually changed to a lower gear. The car was also doing this change to neutral on its own while I was trying to park the car and then when I went back to my car to pull out of the parking space, it took several attempts to engage the gears to move. I limped home with the car and got it parked in my driveway. The transmission fluid reading was normal. The car started doing this shift change to neutral without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11475752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
ENGINE
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bluff, ARFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!
NHTSA complaint #11454601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDermott, AR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Also, while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine when the air conditioning unit was turned on. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDermott, AR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Also, while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine when the air conditioning unit was turned on. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDermott, AR
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Also, while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine when the air conditioning unit was turned on. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
POWER TRAIN
I was reversing out of a parking spot and when I tried to go forward, the car kept wanting to go in reverse. The shifter then became stuck in park and would not move to another gear. I was in the middle of the road now blocking traffic. The dashboard still showed I was in reverse even though the shift lever was stuck in park. I was forced to keep reversing until I found a safe spot to park. Later I looked up this problem on YouTube and found many videos posted with my same problem with the stuck gear shift. I would definitely say this is a manufacturing defect that needs to be recalled on all versions of the Dodge Avenger car.
NHTSA complaint #11432583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
ENGINE
CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. DRIVING IN THE INTERSTATE AT 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. NO WARNING SIGNS WERE GIVEN, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS.
NHTSA complaint #11413012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesHolbrook, MA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE RANDOMLY LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE LOCAL DEALER GOOD BROTHERS DODGE LOCATED AT 577 COLUMBIAN ST, SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA 02190 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11394775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Pedro, CA
SEAT BELTS
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM, WHICH I HAVE TAKEN TO GET FIXED. THERE IS A AIRBAG LIGHT NOW FLASHING ON AND OFF AND I AM TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP SHIP SHEWED ME AWAY AND SAID MAYBE IT'S THE WIRING, WELL HELL I DIDN'T WIRE IT MYSELF. I WANT IT NOTED I CALLED ABOUT THIS ISSUE ALSO REPORTED IT WAS TOLD IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SO I GUESS THEY WAIT FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FIRST, THEN RECALL IT?!?
NHTSA complaint #11342726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
