NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Dodge Avenger Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Dodge Avenger has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 548 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Dodge dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Dodge Avenger, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Dodge Avenger owner complaints

Owners have filed 548 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Avenger, describing incidents dated July 27, 2012 to August 6, 2026.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 154 complaints
Engine 126 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).

Newest complaints

ODI #11755325 · Filed August 6, 2026
Unknown, all i know is that i leave my car to go play basketball and 3 hours later i come back and its popped out randomly.
ODI #11725717 · Filed March 19, 2026
Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition…
ODI #11722601 · Filed March 6, 2026
Headrest deployed

Read all 548 complaints

Owner-reported

2013 Dodge Avenger mileage at failure

369 of the 548 complaints on file for the 2013 Dodge Avenger give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Air Bags	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–100,000 miles	Based on 81 complaints
Engine	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–130,000 miles	Based on 104 complaints
Electrical System	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–115,000 miles	Based on 66 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Dodge Avenger in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE19-014: Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Closed February 25, 2026

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Active Headrests may not Deploy in a Crash

NHTSA #17V640000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Head Restraint · NHTSA notice

Reported October 10, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 363,930 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T56 · Owners notified December 4, 2017 · Vehicles built June 25, 2011 – January 15, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Safety consequence

If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

NHTSA #16V668000 · Seat Belts — Pretensioner · NHTSA notice

Reported September 15, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 1,435,625 vehicles

Repair completion: 41.1% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S61 · Owners notified August 15, 2017 · Vehicles built February 18, 2009 – February 14, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Safety consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Oil Pressure may result in Engine Stall

NHTSA #13V552000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 521 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.95% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N52 · Owners notified December 24, 2013

Defect description

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.

Safety consequence

If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Non-Deployment of Head Restraints

NHTSA #13V282000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 442,320 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.46% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N38 · Owners notified November 19, 2013 · Vehicles built June 25, 2011 – January 14, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Leakage or Engine Stall

NHTSA #13V043000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported February 6, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC

Potentially affected: 1,785 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign N02 · Owners notified April 4, 2013 · Vehicles built October 30, 2012 – November 2, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2012, through November 2, 2012. These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly.

Safety consequence

A broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly may lead to an engine stall or fuel leakage. An engine stall while driving may contribute to a vehicle crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly and replace any affected control valves, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Notes

Chrysler's recall campaign number is N02.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 3, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

12% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

548 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

Seats

ODI #11755325

Incident: August 6, 2026 · Filed: August 6, 2026

Unknown, all i know is that i leave my car to go play basketball and 3 hours later i come back and its popped out randomly.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Service Brakes

ODI #11725717

Incident: October 15, 2025 · Filed: March 19, 2026

Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.

Seats

ODI #11722601

Incident: March 6, 2026 · Filed: March 6, 2026

Headrest deployed

Air Bags; Seats; Unknown or Other

ODI #11702196

Incident: January 15, 2025 · Filed: December 1, 2025

Both head rest which is attached to airbags or have airbags in them I don’t know but the exploded open. Headrest could have exploded while someone was in the seat and got head injuries. No problem has not been confirmed by anyone but myself,husband and self employed mechanic, I didn’t know what to do. No, no type of warning before it happen. Passenger one exploded January 2025, driver exploded about May 2025.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Engine

ODI #11696835

Incident: October 31, 2025 · Filed: October 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and eventually stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,625.

Power Train; Air Bags; Engine

ODI #11694624

Incident: October 4, 2025 · Filed: October 20, 2025

Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy

Unknown or Other

ODI #11688388

Incident: September 15, 2025 · Filed: September 19, 2025

The passenger side head rest popped out on it's own. Was parked when it happened.

Electrical System

ODI #11677468

Incident: July 31, 2025 · Filed: July 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the interior light turned on independently, the control panel started blinking, and the radio became inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot, where it was turned off but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,829.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11661337

Incident: May 2, 2025 · Filed: May 15, 2025

2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another 20-25 minutes and then did it again. I put fuel treatment in it. It seemed to drive better the next day but then I did it again. I had it towed to a service department where they did a complete vehicle inspection- no codes were thrown $2500 later- picked up vehicle and later that evening it starts blowing smoke out from under the dash- Towed back to Service department- $300 later- pick car up and she breaks down within 10 minutes- TOWED AGAIN- ,$450 later ---- the vehicle loses all connection and stalls while going 45 to 70 mph- without warning - on the interstate- UNSAFE for EVERYONE on the road not just the dumb owner. WHY IS MY VIN NUMBER NOT ASSOCIATED TO ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS? 3 OF WHICH ARE DEALING WITH THE EXACT ISSUES I AM HAVING!!! I have spent every last penny I have on this and still ... Safety Hazard

Unknown or Other

ODI #11654617

Incident: February 5, 2025 · Filed: April 14, 2025

the catalytic converter is making my engine run rough and can't get it inspected because of it. It's costing me more to run the vehicle and I can't afford to get into an accident when the engine stalls.

Other Dodge Avenger model years

Check your 2013 Dodge Avenger VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Dodge Avenger at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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