Owners have filed 330 complaints
about the 2014 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 45
Against the median year of the Dodge Avenger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 59
35% 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
198.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
177.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2711.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5322.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4820.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4217.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2611.0%
150,000+ miles
52.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole 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
2014 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD
11.8% risk
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.
Mar 2014peak 18Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Dodge Avenger
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
Recalls on the 2014 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Conroe, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger headrest deployed without cause or accident and hit passenger in head. Resulting in headache and pain.
NHTSA complaint #11423812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,500 milesNewhall, CACrash
POWER TRAIN
JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, WITHIN A MONTH THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A POWER TRAIN LEAK WHICH THEY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION TURNING AND MY WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AN OFFICER HAPPENED TO BE ON THE SAME ROAD AND SAW THAT MY CAR WAS ALSO SMOKING AS WELL WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE PREVIOUS POWER TRAIN LEAK. I LOOKED AT OTHER RECALLS AND SURE ENOUGH, THERE ARE SOME ON THE 2011-2013 REGARDING STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEMS AS WELL. THEY DEFINITELY NEED TO CHECK THE 2014 DODGE AVENGER AS WELL FOR SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER AREA AND MY AXEL IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11416143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,500 milesNewhall, CACrash
STEERING
JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, WITHIN A MONTH THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A POWER TRAIN LEAK WHICH THEY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION TURNING AND MY WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AN OFFICER HAPPENED TO BE ON THE SAME ROAD AND SAW THAT MY CAR WAS ALSO SMOKING AS WELL WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE PREVIOUS POWER TRAIN LEAK. I LOOKED AT OTHER RECALLS AND SURE ENOUGH, THERE ARE SOME ON THE 2011-2013 REGARDING STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEMS AS WELL. THEY DEFINITELY NEED TO CHECK THE 2014 DODGE AVENGER AS WELL FOR SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER AREA AND MY AXEL IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11416143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,500 milesNewhall, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, WITHIN A MONTH THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A POWER TRAIN LEAK WHICH THEY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION TURNING AND MY WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AN OFFICER HAPPENED TO BE ON THE SAME ROAD AND SAW THAT MY CAR WAS ALSO SMOKING AS WELL WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE PREVIOUS POWER TRAIN LEAK. I LOOKED AT OTHER RECALLS AND SURE ENOUGH, THERE ARE SOME ON THE 2011-2013 REGARDING STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEMS AS WELL. THEY DEFINITELY NEED TO CHECK THE 2014 DODGE AVENGER AS WELL FOR SIMILAR ISSUES. NOW THE FRONT PASSENGER AREA AND MY AXEL IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11416143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,247 milesMarble Falls, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND PULLED HARD LEFT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AS WELL AND I CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #11278733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,247 milesMarble Falls, TXCrash2 injured
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND PULLED HARD LEFT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AS WELL AND I CRASHED
NHTSA complaint #11278733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Westminster, CO
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
My driver side head rest was fine the night before. When I came out to my car the next morning, the AHR had defected and the padded part had "popped". No damage had occurred on the exterior of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11756368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SEATS
I was stopped at a red light, when the airbag in the headrest deployed on the driver side.
NHTSA complaint #11691751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
SEATS
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the occupant restraint controller in the driver's seat activated inadvertently, and the head restraint deployed. The contact stated that her daughter was struck in the back of the head by the head restraint. The contact stated that her daughter had not observed the warning light before or after the failure. The contact's daughter had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11657476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thornton, CO
AIR BAGS
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the occupant restraint controller in the driver's seat activated inadvertently, and the head restraint deployed. The contact stated that her daughter was struck in the back of the head by the head restraint. The contact stated that her daughter had not observed the warning light before or after the failure. The contact's daughter had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11657476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
AIR BAGS
test
NHTSA complaint #11603821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesStreamwood, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that a year later when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed with occupant restraint control failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceville, GA
ENGINE
I know the noise is coming from the lifters in the engine that has been nicknamed the hemi tick
NHTSA complaint #11554288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
horn not working, i move steering wheel to left side and it works, problem with horn and wheel radio controls. Clock spring failure
NHTSA complaint #11536690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesPocahontas, AR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the driver’s side headrest deployed and pushed her head forward. The contact stated that the impact was like being rear-ended. The contact had a major headache from the impact of the headrest deployment. The contact inspected the headrest and became aware that the headrest spring had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunn, NC
POWER TRAIN
Driving and car cuts off without warning. Could be going 35 mph could be going 65 mph. Have to shift to N to cut car back on. Sometimes it won't cut back on. I pressed gas after light turned green in a busy intersection and car cut off in middle of intersection. This has happened in more than one occasion and almost caused many accidents. Throws code for crankshaft position sensor. It has been replaced and still not helping. Also replaced throttle body position sensor. This is happening with A LOT of these vehicles. All online forums talk of the same problem. Don't know if it's the computer itself because the check engine light rarely comes in when this happens. Then it throws random codes.
NHTSA complaint #11534720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunn, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving and car cuts off without warning. Could be going 35 mph could be going 65 mph. Have to shift to N to cut car back on. Sometimes it won't cut back on. I pressed gas after light turned green in a busy intersection and car cut off in middle of intersection. This has happened in more than one occasion and almost caused many accidents. Throws code for crankshaft position sensor. It has been replaced and still not helping. Also replaced throttle body position sensor. This is happening with A LOT of these vehicles. All online forums talk of the same problem. Don't know if it's the computer itself because the check engine light rarely comes in when this happens. Then it throws random codes.
NHTSA complaint #11534720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunn, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving and car cuts off without warning. Could be going 35 mph could be going 65 mph. Have to shift to N to cut car back on. Sometimes it won't cut back on. I pressed gas after light turned green in a busy intersection and car cut off in middle of intersection. This has happened in more than one occasion and almost caused many accidents. Throws code for crankshaft position sensor. It has been replaced and still not helping. Also replaced throttle body position sensor. This is happening with A LOT of these vehicles. All online forums talk of the same problem. Don't know if it's the computer itself because the check engine light rarely comes in when this happens. Then it throws random codes.
NHTSA complaint #11534720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesWilliamsville, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine and electronic throttle warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the electronic throttle body and the computer wiring harness however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine and electronic throttle warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the electronic throttle body and the computer wiring harness however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,056 milesElkland, MO
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence and then to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was completed by the previous owner in November 2022. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,056.
NHTSA complaint #11523983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,056 milesElkland, MO
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence and then to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was completed by the previous owner in November 2022. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,056.
NHTSA complaint #11523983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, TX
AIR BAGS
Passenger headrest airbag deployed without collision when vehicle was parked while occupants were not in vehicle. Increased in safety hazard as airbag deployed prematurely.
NHTSA complaint #11510070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWilliamsville, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the electronic throttle control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the electronic throttle body was replaced twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Northtown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Fiat (2020 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, NY 14150), where the PCM was replaced twice along with the Controller Area Network. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesWasco, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her husband was reversing the vehicle out of a parking space, the driver’s side air bag was independently deployed without incident. The contact stated that a grayish-colored smoke was coming from underneath the steering wheel after the deployment. The contact initially called her insurance provider who referred her to a local dealer; the dealer then referred her to the manufacturer and a claim was filed. The vehicle was taken to Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep (3101 Cattle Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93313) where an inspector was sent from the manufacturer to investigate the failure. The contact then received an email from the manufacturer that stated that her claim was denied and that the failure was a result of normal wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
AIR BAGS
The active head restrains (AHR) deployed without vehicle being involved in collision. This could have caused injury and even death if anyone was operating the vehicle while it deployed. No warning lamps are active, but the system is clearly deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11479787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesLubbock, TX
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the front driver’s side seat belt buckle was unlatched independently. The contact was able to latch the seat belt buckle however, the seat belt buckle was unlatched again after several hours. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11471562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taylor, TX
ENGINE
While driving at about 30 mph the engine suddenly quit and would not immediately restart. The electrical system was shut down and electric door latches would not function. This vehicle recently had a new battery installed after it periodically failed to start. After having the car towed to the dealership and sitting for several days, it restarted. Dealership mechanics could not find a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11458093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherwood, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It just shut off , all the lights comes on & it just shut off , not to mention i just got the engine fixed & it’s still doing the San thing.
NHTSA complaint #11438526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clyde, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car blows cold air on passenger side and hot air on drivers side. Also, the defrost does not work on passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11434533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conroe, TX1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger headrest deployed without cause or accident and hit passenger in head. Resulting in headache and pain.
NHTSA complaint #11423812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
