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2013 Dodge Avenger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Dodge Avenger carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering head restraint and pretensioner. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Active headrest inadvertent deployment.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Campaign #17V640000 · Oct 10, 2017

Issue: 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.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V282000 · Feb 7, 2013

Issue: 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.

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

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 N38.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #13V043000 · Jun 2, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #13V552000 · Jun 11, 2013

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

Reported to NHTSA

Active headrest inadvertent deployment

SEATS

38 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-03

“I I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE WHEN THE ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT EXPLODED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD REST. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AND THERE WAS NO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374189
“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR APPROXIMATELY AROUND 15MPH ON A SMOOTH ROAD I HEARD A DISRUPTIVE NOISE AND SAW THAT MY PASSENGER HAD BEEN HIT BY THE ACTIVE HEAD REST WHICH WAS DEPLOYED ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT IN AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315966
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD RESTRAINT POPPED OPENED AND STRUCK THE OCCUPANT IN THE HEAD WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245799

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger-side heater blows cold air, no defrost

VISIBILITY/WIPER

37 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2024-12

“Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629865
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE HEATER BUTTON AND FELT COLD AIR COMING FROM THE VENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256842
“I HAVE A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE HEAT DOES NOT OPERATE AS EXPECTED. THRU HOURS OF RESEARCH THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY HEATER CORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268208

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of motive power while driving

ENGINE

36 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2025-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696835
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NINE TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252989
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. VEHICLE STALLED HAD TO PULL OVER THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THROTTLE BODY CONTROL THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH , ALL WARNING INDICATORS STARTED TO FLASH, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258538

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

TIPM failure causing random horn activation

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-11

“The TIPM failed causing the car to shut off and not start again. The problem has been confirmed by Upstate Auto”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613149
“THE LIGHTING INSIDE IS VERY DIM AND SOMETIMES BLINK ON AND OFF WHEN IN DRIVING MOTION. MY HORN STARTS BLOWING ON IT;S ON WITH OUT TOUCHING IT IN DRIVING MOTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390218
“HELLO I'M [XXX] BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HORN GOING OFF RANDOMLY WHEN CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. WINDOWS GOING UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN WITH PRESSING THE BUTTON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315347

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2022-03

“The air bag light turns on and off while driving, along with a ding, indicating that there is a problem with the air bag”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420799
“THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF MAKING A DINGING NOISE. THERE IS RECALLS FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE THE SAME AS MINE YET FOR SOME REASON MINE IS NOT RECALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397874
“WHEN I START MY CAR WHICH IS STATIONARY THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON & DINGS (LIKE THE SEATBELT WARNING) IT DINGS LIKE 2 TIMES. THEN AS I DRIVE ON CITY STREETS & HIGHWAYS, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE LIGHT WILL COME ON & GO OFF RANDOMLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405767

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

134 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

26

complaints mentioning a crash

10

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Dodge Avenger reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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