Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Dodge Avenger
The 2012 Dodge Avenger has a moderate number of owner complaints and three recalls. Common issues include electrical system faults and airbag deployment failures. Potential buyers should be cautious and conduct a thorough inspection, as the data presents some recurrent problems that can affect vehicle safety. Head restraint and pretensioner faults in particular suggest safety concerns. Limited but significant recall and complaint data indicate a need for careful scrutiny, especially concerning electrical and safety features.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 554 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #17V640000 Active Headrests may not Deploy in a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V668000 Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V282000 Non-Deployment of Head Restraints NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 163 complaints
- Air Bags 109 complaints
- Electrical System 109 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 95 complaints
- Engine 87 complaints
- Seat Belts 43 complaints
Of the 554 complaints on file, 34 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 554 complaints, owners report 35 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
System failures or shorts
How to check: Inspect for erratic behavior or non-functioning components in the electrical system.
Airbag and seatbelt deployment failures
How to check: Verify all airbags and seatbelt pretensioners function properly; use diagnostics.
Head restraint non-deployment
How to check: Check for active headrest warning lights or diagnostic codes.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise or irregular idling.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or stalling.
- 02
City driving
What to check: Monitor dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Any safety or check engine lights.
- 03
Parking
What to check: Test all electrical components like windows, lights, and wipers.
Red flag: Non-functional electrical features.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear shifts and acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifts.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Check for firmness and responsiveness in brakes.
Red flag: Vibration or spongy pedal feel.
- 06
End of drive
What to check: Inspect for unusual smells like burning.
Red flag: Smell of burning or overheating.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vehicle had electrical repairs?
- Were any airbag recalls fixed?
- Has the headrest issue been repaired?
- Any recent repairs or maintenance?
- Any unresolved dashboard warning lights?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Repair receipts for electrical issues
- Recall repairs confirmation
- Service history records
- Accident report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Dodge Avenger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Dodge Avenger? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.