
2011 Dodge AVENGER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2011 Dodge AVENGER has 311 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 329. The most common issue is other problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: passenger defrost blows cold air which means it is not clearing the windows in inclement weather. the frosting of windows has created safety issues for me because on a busy road i have almost had an accident.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
311
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
OTHER
58 complaints- • PASSENGER DEFROST BLOWS COLD AIR WHICH MEANS IT IS NOT CLEARING THE WINDOWS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE FROSTING OF WINDOWS HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES FOR ME BECAUSE ON A BUSY ROAD I HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.
- • DEFROSTER ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. DROVE FOR 40 MINUTES HAD TO KEEP FAN AND HEAT CONTROL ON FULL THE WHOLE TIME TO KEEP WINDSHIELD CLEANED OFF. SIDE WINDOWS NEVER CLEARED OFF.
- • MY 2011 DODGE AVENGER HEAT HAS A HEATING PROBLEM. THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAT/DEFROST ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR. I PUT THE FAN ON HIGH AND STILL ONLY COLD AIR. WHEN WARMING CAR UP WITH REMOTE START THE CAR IS NOT WARM AFTER 10 TO 15 MINUTES CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD TO NOT DEFROST. I DRIVE 50 M
“PASSENGER DEFROST BLOWS COLD AIR WHICH MEANS IT IS NOT CLEARING THE WINDOWS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE FROSTING OF WINDOWS HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES FOR ME BECAUSE ON A BUSY ROAD I HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2011 Dodge AVENGER
Based on 229 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 79K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
SUSPENSION
SPEED CONTROL
STEERING
TRANSMISSION
BODY/STRUCTURE
OTHER
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Risk: 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.
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 number for this recall is S61.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2011 Dodge AVENGER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Dodge AVENGER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2011 AVENGER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Dodge dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2011 Dodge AVENGER
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 311 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐OTHER: PASSENGER DEFROST BLOWS COLD AIR WHICH MEANS IT IS NOT CLEARING THE WINDOWS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE FROSTING OF WINDOWS HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES FOR ME BECAUSE ON A BUSY ROAD I HAVE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: VEHICLE MADE A MECHANICAL CLICKING NOISE AT LOW SPEED DUE TO ELECTRIC MODULE FAILURE. *KB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A POLE. DURING THE CRASH THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Dodge dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Dodge AVENGER — Year Comparison
How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 311
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 16
- Injury reports
- 7
- Segment avg
- 329
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2011 Dodge AVENGER