Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Dodge Avenger
The 2013 Dodge Avenger has moderate issues, particularly with the engine, airbags, and electrical system, according to available complaints and recalls. The engine issue related to oil pressure is notable, as are the airbag and seat belt concerns affecting safety. While there are several safety recalls, relatively low complaint numbers suggest that not every vehicle exhibits issues. Buyers should carefully inspect for specific problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Dodge Avenger has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 548 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 #13V552000 Loss of Oil Pressure may result in Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V282000 Non-Deployment of Head Restraints NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V043000 Fuel Leakage or Engine Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 154 complaints
- Engine 120 complaints
- Unknown or Other 102 complaints
- Electrical System 98 complaints
- Seats 60 complaints
- Seat Belts 52 complaints
Of the 548 complaints on file, 26 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 548 complaints, owners report 42 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Oil pressure loss
How to check: Check for engine warning lights or oil pressure issues.
Airbags may not deploy
How to check: Verify airbag warning light works normally.
System short circuits
How to check: Inspect for malfunctioning electronics or warning lights.
Seat belt pretensioner failure
How to check: Test seat belts for proper operation and lock mechanism.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent oil pressure or airbag light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe transmission smoothness during shifts.
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Feel for brake responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Squeaking or grinding noises
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration and stability.
Red flag: Poor acceleration or engine stuttering
- 06
Park position
What to check: Check for electrical issues with windows and locks.
Red flag: Non-functioning electronics
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have any recalls been addressed?
- Are there any current or past engine issues?
- Has the electrical system been serviced?
- Are all safety features functioning properly?
- Have seat belts or airbags been replaced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Maintenance records
- Service records for engine and electronics
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Dodge Avenger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 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.