Model year guide

2012 Dodge Avenger

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Dodge Avenger is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 642 on record.

2012 Dodge Avenger — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Dodge Avenger at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints553
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$8,264

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Dodge Avenger recalls 3

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint NHTSA Campaign #17V640000 · 10/10/2017

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.

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #16V668000 · 15/09/2016

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.

Fix: 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 numbe…

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #13V282000 · 02/07/2013

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,…

Fix: 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 N…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Dodge Avenger common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 553 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2012 Dodge Avenger safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Dodge Avenger MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,667

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Dodge Avenger worth?

Low
$6,100
Typical price
$8,264
High
$9,995

From 638 comparable 2012 Dodge Avenger listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Dodge Avenger costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,335
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,200
Total$18,535
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,264) with the same model 4 model-years older ($4,087), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Dodge Avenger trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SXT · SXT Plus · R/T
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl 283 hp

2012 Dodge Avenger vehicles on record

2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAG7CN309641 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB3CN322875 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB7CN259165 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB0CN322185 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZABXCN259189 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB8CN128293 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SXT1C3CDZCB6CN253435 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB7CN216607 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB4CN171352 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAG6CN314278 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZABXCN114962 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB2CN111179 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB8CN215191 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB2CN220113 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB3CN237910 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB7CN186010 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SXT1C3CDZCB3CN159058 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB9CN324940 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB5CN128736 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB8CN173279 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB8CN165098 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAG8CN309244 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAG9CN280854 2012 Dodge Avenger 2012 Dodge Avenger SE1C3CDZAB6CN265216

Other Dodge Avenger model years

2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008

2012 Dodge Avenger — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

Based on 553 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, air bags.

What is the 2012 Dodge Avenger safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Dodge Avenger an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Avenger get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Dodge Avenger at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2012 Dodge Avenger worth?

Comparable 2012 Dodge Avenger listings run roughly $6,100–$9,995, typically around $8,264 (from 638 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.