Is the 2012 Dodge AVENGER reliable?

The 2012 Dodge AVENGER has 837 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Dodge AVENGER?

Top problems: OTHER (164 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (122 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (110 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Dodge AVENGER?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Contact any Dodge dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2012 Dodge AVENGER?

The 2012 Dodge AVENGER has an EPA rating of 23 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3341. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Dodge AVENGER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Dodge AVENGER is approximately $1,781/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2012 Dodge AVENGER qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2012 Dodge AVENGER may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2012 Dodge AVENGER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Dodge AVENGER has 837 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.5x the segment average of 329. The most common issue is other problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: upon using air conditioner or heater. there is a slight knocking noise coming from the passenger side dash. knocking noise even continues after car has been off for hours. any time car lights come on knocking noise occurs.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 12 fire reports filed.

12 fire reports 46 crash reports 47 injuries

837

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

2.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

164 complaints

20%

• UPON USING AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER. THERE IS A SLIGHT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. KNOCKING NOISE EVEN CONTINUES AFTER CAR HAS BEEN OFF FOR HOURS. ANY TIME CAR LIGHTS COME ON KNOCKING NOISE OCCURS.
• DRIVING DOWN OWEN K GARRIOTT TO TAKE MY DOG TO THE VET AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I SAW JACKSON'S ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD SO I PULLED IN THEIR AND THEY HOOKED MY CAR UP TO SOME KIND OF TEST THAT TOOK AN HOUR AND GAVE ME A RIDE TO THE VET.WHEN I GOT BACK TO JAC
• AT THE END OF LAST WINTER I NOTICED MY HEAT WASN'T WORKING RIGHT, AND AFTER A FEW COLD DAYS RECENTLY I HAVE NO HEAT COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. PRETTY WARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I SEE THAT THIS IS PRETTY COMMON IN DODGE AVENGERS AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED SO MY FAMILY CAN BE WARM WHI

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“UPON USING AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER. THERE IS A SLIGHT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. KNOCKING NOISE EVEN CONTINUES AFTER CAR HAS BEEN OFF FOR HOURS. ANY TIME CAR LIGHTS COME ON KNOCKING NOISE OCCURS.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Dodge AVENGER

Based on 590 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

146

60-100K

242

100-150K

117

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 41K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 49K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 40K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 26K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Earlier than typicalmedian 95K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Reported earliermedian 60K mi · 62 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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)

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT10/10/2017

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.

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

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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2012 Dodge AVENGER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$3,311

Per month

$276

Per mile

27.6¢

kWh/mi

1.47

Based 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 2012 Dodge AVENGER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,781

Full coverage / month

$148

Liability only / year

$665

vs US avg

+6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1781

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Dodge New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Dodge. If you're buying a used 2012 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 2012 Dodge AVENGER

Updated 2026-07

Federal 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)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

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

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 837 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: UPON USING AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER. THERE IS A SLIGHT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. KNOCKING NOISE EVEN CONTINUES AFTER CAR HAS BEEN OFF FOR HOURS. ANY TIME CAR LIGHTS COME ON KNOCKING NOISE OCCURS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: NO HEAT ON PASSENGER SIDE DEFROSTERS I WARM CAR UP FOR 10 MIN. DRIVER SIDE CLEARS BUT PASSENGER SIDE IS STILL FROSTED OVER IT TAKES ABOUT 15 MILES TO FINALLY CLEAR OFF. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE AVENGER SE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE HYDRO-PLANED AND THEN CRASHED INTO A STEEL CABLE BARRIER. THE ONLY AIR BAGS THAT DEPLOYED WERE THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS. THE FRONT P
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WAY THE SPEEDOMETER WAS ARRANGED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE HAD TO REMOVE HIS EYES FROM THE ROADWAY IN ORDER TO VERIFY AT WHAT SPEED HE WAS TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE D
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)