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Problems with 2012 Dodge Avenger ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On average, the 2012 Dodge Avenger starts to “feel” problems with the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and its various aspects after 69 343 miles.

Components Affected by ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Issues

We have classified the 84 complaints from 2012 Dodge Avenger about ELECTRICAL SYSTEM into the following categories.

ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR 1

Recently reported ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems on 2012 Dodge Avenger

Took car in for a coolant flush and only have heat on the drivers side. passenger side blows cool air. car is only 3 years old with 72,000 miles on it. had heat before the dealership recommended the coolant flush. took car into dealership to have it looked at and they tell me the heater core is partially plugged. heat worked fine before flush, now it does not. *js

I was driving when my car lost power multiple times with the key in the ingition. the third time all of the lights on the dash went off and i had to coast into a parking spot. i had to jump the vehicle to get it started

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, a clicking noise was heard from the front end. while driving at any speed, the contact smelled burning wires from somewhere within the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 61,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the heater in the vehicle on the passenger side blew cold air on numerous occasions and the driver side heater worked normally. the vehicle was repaired, but the issue recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was unknown.

While driving on the interstate doing about 65mph at 5am, i disengaged the cruise control on my vehicle, my car all the sudden turned off and lost complete power, including steering, brakes, and acceleration. the key was still in the on position. this is a major safety hazard! had i not been able to coast and engage the emergency break, i would have crashed and most likely suffered serious bodily injuries or death. this is the third time this has happened to me and i have read this has happened to others already as well. the entire electrical system failed because my engine turned off as well as the dashboard completely went dark to include headlights, turn signals, and the hazard lights. my vehicle has stopped in motion all the sudden for no apparent reason two times in one week. i made an appointment with the dealership to get the vehicle diagnosed but i am still afraid to drive to the dealership because it may happen again while driving either on the highway, interstate, or on any street. i am not 100% certain what caused the vehicle to turn off while in motion 3 times already in one week but it has created a major safety hazard for myself and other motorist on the highway/interstate. i believe it has something to do with the electrical system or engine because the lost of complete power is what occurs each time.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated.the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the contact mentioned that the air bag warning light remained illuminated after the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown. updated 1/15/16 *cn

Heater is blowing hot on the driver's side and cold on the passengers side while stationary and driving.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. while driving 55 mph, the engine stalled and all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 69,276.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the radio system failed which caused the failure and needed to be disconnected. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 73,810.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. after the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system).the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 81,000.

The vehicle is in good running condition. the only problem that i have is that it keeps making this "knocking" sound coming from behind the glove compartment. its starts as soon as you turn on the a/c and it keeps making that sound periodically. even when the vehicle is off and the key is not in the ignition.

2012 dodge avenger. upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. heating core failed & had to be replaced, also problem with fuel line, dealer has replaced heating core and fuel line. knocking noise appears to be a common problem among dodge avengers, appropriate recall to fix heating/air compressor should be done. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled but would automatically restart. as a result, the abs, the seat belt, and the traction warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 58,163.

My 2012 dodge avenger had recall for electrical system, airbags. i took it to the dealer and they performed recall "n38 reflash tipm." before this recall was done my vehicle had no problems. as soon as i drove away from the dealer, my airbag light on dash was on, the left rear turning light and left brake light not working, right headlight not working, right front turning signal not working. i let the dealer know what was going on and they said i had "to bring it back in because it probably has electrical problem". this is more than just electrical problem, it is a safety problem. after having the lighting diagnosed and inspected, i am having to pay $1250 for tipm to be replaced for a new one. i am very upset and in disbelief that i have to pay this for a defective or faulty tipm module. i feel this defect of the tipm module should be also a recall and covered by the manufacturer. *js

On january 3, 2015, complainant was driving a friend to work at approximately 9 a.m. when complainant lost total control of his 2012 dodge avenger due to ice covering the entirety of the streets causing complainant to slide two (2) blocks towards an overhanging cliff where plaintiff had a head on collision with a huge tree totaling his 2012 dodge avenger. at the instant of collision, there was a strange and pungent odor that permeated the interior of the automobile when both front airbags came out but failed to inflate and to offer any support. the airbags only stayed laying flat on the steering column and the passenger side dashboard. at the instant of collision, complainant struck his forehead against the steering column causing complaint severe neck trauma, severe spinal trauma, severe back trauma and severe hip trauma... complainant was wearing his seat belt at the time and so was the passenger. at the time of collision the passenger struck her entire face against the passenger side dashboard where the malfunctioning airbag.... at no time did the airbags inflate and there was so sort of electrical problem before the airbags came out that gave off a very disturbing odor... the wrecked car is presently at the progressive insurance auto auction and the telephone number there is 724 443 7881... i am requesting that an investigation be done to determine that both front airbags did not inflate and offer protection... both airbags appeared to be damaged... also there was a recall on that product in early 2014 and complainant believes that whatever dodge of monroeville did during this recall was not appropriate and was in violation of federal safety and warranty laws.... *tr

While driving down the interstate this vehicle's power steering and anti lock brakes stopped working and the vehicles rpms were as high as could be measured by the vehicle. this issues made it very difficult to navigate the vehicle off the roadway safely. the vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealership and the alternator was diagnosed as the primary issue. the concern with this vehicle is that it has the same size engine and amp alternator as the chrysler vehicles that are already under recall for alternator failure 3.6l engine with a 160 amp alternator and the dealership repairing this vehicle states it is the same type of failure. i am concerned that this vehicles alternator should also be recalled as it poses a danger to the people driving it and any other vehicles on the road near this vehicle when this failure occurs. *tr

Without cause, the airbag light came on. after investigating the issue, i find that my car had a recall for the tipm, which was not done. i then had the tipm reset, however it did not turn the light out. then i had a diagnostic test done that came up with a code of b2208, which of course warranty doesn't cover. this module should be replaced by chrysler for the 2012 avenger as well. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the air bag warning light continuously illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the occupant restraint control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired; however, the tipm was reset. the failure persisted. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

The throttle body on my car has to be replaced. my son has had numerous incidents of the car running rough, seemingly not getting enough gas, and the final straw before taking to the shop was when it the engine died as he was driving. this car is only three years old with approximately 62,000 miles on it. it is not at all acceptable for this part to go bad given the age / miles of the car. after speaking with several shop owners and technicians, i've found that this has been a common failure on late model dodge vehicles. in addition the throttle failure, he has no heat coming in the passenger side of the car. only cold air as if something is stuck open. this began the later part of last winter when the car was just two years old. he just dealt with it at the time due to lack of money. with winter coming, this will need to be addressed right away as well. then we have the power mirror not working on one side. which also began last year. and last but not least, the airbag light is on. i did see that there is a recall having to do with one of the airbags. i will schedule that right away, but it remains to be seen if that is why the airbag light is on. *tr

[xxx] was driving down the 294 expressway and the car just turned off all electric items went dead. i called for a tow and was at the dealership 3 to 4 days. dealer mechanic took car home same thing happened to him needed a tow to the shop. then on 10/13 the car wouldn't start again. the alternator was replaced from first visit and dodge says no codes are coming up and are not fixing anything. my guess it will continue happening until further investigated by dodge. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. the contact also indicated that water poured in excess when the trunk was opened and that there may be a potential leak within a seal. also, the front passenger side door handle was deteriorating without warning. the vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system). the dealer was unable to determine when the part would become available to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failures. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

While driving on a two lane highway driving in the left lane doing 60 miles the vehicle suddenly turned off creating the following to stop working. no brakes, gas pedal would not work, steering wheel locked up, unable to turn on hazard lights. i was able to turn the steering wheel to the right enough to move into the right hand lane and to the side of a very busy freeway, (very scary ) the chp came and had me wait for about 30 minutes the chp officer then got into the vehicle restarted the car, put in gear to make sure the brake would hold out and then escorted me off the freeway at the speed of 30 miles. then had it towed to the nearest dealership for repairs. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (air bag, electrical system). the manufacturer was not notified. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that after parking the vehicle and returning approximately eight hours later, the center console was melted from a small fire. the contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed and there were no injuries. a police report was not filed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 49,424.

I got a recall notice stating that my car would be fixed and the labor and parts would be free. i have spoken with the dealership and they say i will need to pay $300 in parts to get it replaced. if the recall notice says it would be free then why do i need to pay? the recall should be covered by chrysler. the airbag light is on. i have not been in any accidents so i do not see why i must pay for a faulty part. *tr

Hit a deer at 60 mph the car started on fire and completely burned up no air bags went off dodge investigated but will not tell us why the car burned up. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled numerous times while driving various speeds. the instrument panel indicators flashed intermittently during the failure. additionally, the front passenger side window was inoperable. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 51,500.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the front passenger's side vent was only emitting cold air. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the heating core needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the vehicle was scheduled to be inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 41920.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system) and was taken to the dealer for repairs. the dealer stated that the vehicle had surpassed the mileage restriction for the recall and refused to service the vehicle. in addition, an extended warranty was offered by the manufacturer pertaining to the air bags. the contact's vehicle was also excluded from the extended warranty program. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 36,332.

After driving the vehicle on a short 10 mile drive i parked the vehicle for approximately 45 minutes when i came out and attempted to start the vehicle at which point the vehicle did not start the battery had a full charge and the gear selector indicator on the dash board lit up all gears i attempted numerous times to start the vehicle with out success after trouble shooting i disconnected the negative cable to the battery and left it off for a few minutes and then reconnected it and attempted to start the car which did start at that point i took the vehicle in to my nearest dodge dealer and dropped it off at the service department the response from the dealership was that they were unable to verify the issue and they promptly called me back and returned my vehicle with no issue found, on the second time i took it in on 2/13/13 for same issue with the vehicle not starting they kept the vehicle again for a day and found no issue but the did reprogram the pcm as per tsb 18-023-12 but again when picked up they said there was no real issue the vehicle is less than a year old and has been in twice for the same problem my concern is that it might happen while im driving or while i am far away from home. *tr

The only problem i have is that the engine sounds like a pea thrasher when its started on cold morning. (it sounds like a lifter that has lost its prime). also, the transmission shifts hard, surges (over revs) when coming to s atop, and at times when its down shifting while going down a hill, it slams into lower gear.. there are additional body sounds that i haven't addressed yet. i was told by mechanics and service tech's that this was a common sound from my size engine. the have ran updates, yet the noises are still there. i mentioned that at idle with the headlights on, if i was to power any of the windows, the headlights dim and then engine drops from approximately 950 rpm to below 500 and stalled the engine. ... updated 04/11/13 *bf

Will not shift into drive until speed reaches 45 - 50 mph. can not accelerate over 4000 rpm at any time. unable to pass other slow moving vehicles at a reasonable speed. have taken the vehicle into the dodge service center, explained what was happening, and was told "nothing is wrong with it because there is no sensor light on" . *tr

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 dealer who advised the contact that they were unable to alter the design of the vehicle. the manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 270.

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