8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
87,800 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. please contact nhtsa (2 reports)
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problem #9

Oct 012016

Avenger Heat V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I had the same issue as everyone else - no heat on the left side of the car. I replaced the heater core, actuator, blend doors (all), thermostat, flushed 3 times, multiple shops and dealership could not resolve.

THERE IS A CURRENT ATTEMPT TO START A CLASS ACTIONS LAW SUIT AGAINST FIAT CHRYSLER BUT IT NEEDS MORE PEOPLE TO FILL OUT A FORM TO GET IT GOING!

Lawsuit Investigation: Jeep, Dodge Heating & AC Problems: https://www.classaction.org/jeep-wrangler-air-conditioning-heater-lawsuits

"Attorneys have reason to suspect that Fiat Chrysler failed to properly flush the casting sand out of the engine blocks on some of its cars when they were made. It is believed that, as a result, the residual sand can circulate throughout the cooling system and settle as a “sludge-like” residue in the heater core, radiator and oil cooler. This is what may be causing the heating and cooling systems to malfunction and fail."

- Tammi W., Council Bluffs, IA, US

problem #8

Jan 072019

Avenger LUX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

I have had my heater core "fixed" and "replaced" multiple times, just to have it quit working again 6 months later. I have officially given up all hope. Last time I called the dealership, they mentioned my car was no longer under warranty. Like I can afford a $1500 fix!!! I see that many others have had the same issues with the heater not working so why the hell has there not been a recall on these piece of s**t vehicles for this? I will NEVER buy another Dodge after my experience. Chrysler/Dodge can shove their POS cars up their you know what...

By the way, I live in Nebraska AND STILL HAVE NO HEATER! First car I bought BRAND NEW and has been the car with the WORST and MOST PROBLEMS!

- Amber S., Pickrell, NE, US

problem #7

May 252021

Avenger Mainstreet 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

I haven't had this fixed or assessed yet as it just started recently and haven't had time off at the right time of day to get it looked at. But the ac comes on (it sounds like) when the control is turned to the off position, then when I turn it on, it seems to go off... Really weird but blowing doesn't seem to match up to the setting on the control knob either. Anyone else have this issue? I was really beginning to like this car but it is so poorly constructed i feel forced to just get a new one...sad

- Brook K., Lake Jackson, TX, US

problem #6

Oct 012017

Avenger Mainstreet 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Heater blowing half hot and half cold (passenger side) Definitely a safety issue, as half the windshield fogs up so much from the cold air that that whole area of vision is lost and therefore very dangerous. Should be a recall as it is a defect from the manufacturing process. I've read Dodge has had several claims, so why not pay all??- just seems unfair -hoping for recall soon!!!!

- Brook K., Lake Jackson, TX, US

problem #5

Dec 152017

Avenger Mainstreet V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

PASSENGER SIDE HEAT NOT WORKING!!!!

Ok, so I've already made a complaint with NHTSA about the issue. I've had the car for almost a full year and live in the Midwest. I bought the vehicle in the beginning of December and when I test drove the car I obviously felt heat. When I got back to the dealership, I left the car running and did a "once over" and right before I cut the car off I noticed the cool air coming from the passenger side. Although it was December, it wasn't particularly cold. Mild, actually. So the "cool" air wasn't freezing when I noticed it. I was told by the hustler salesman it was a simple blend door motor issue and literally was a 30 dollar fix. Aside from the passenger air, this car was awesome and after negotiating under the list price, I was sold. "AS IS" purchase by the way... So I bought it!

Came to find out it was something way more severe after replacing the blend door. I was told it was the heater core and a flush should do the trick.. Cost over 100 bucks to fix. Worked one day.Then a 120 coolant flush. Then a thermostat..NO, NO, NO.. I was told this would cost me upwards of 2000 dollars to fix this.

So, like most of the other folks on all of these blogs and sites complaining, here I am as well..DODGE, FIX THIS PROBLEM. There are so many people experiencing this. Do right by the people trying to support your company!!

- Prentice S., Toledo, US

problem #4

Aug 012017

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I notice also that my passenger heater was blowing cold air. I contacted CarMax where I do have the extended warranty, and they told me the same thing about the sand and being clogged, and that it isn't covered under the warranty. PLEASE contact the NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. Dodge knows this is a problem but refuses to fixed the problem. If we all complain to NHTSA, they will open a file and if there is enough complains DODGE will have to fix the problems.

- sbeach, Seagoville, US

problem #3

Oct 022017

Avenger

  • CVT transmission
  • 136,000 miles

I bought my 2011 Dodge Avenger new and have always loved it. Have had problems with the AC and heater the last several months. It is freezing out now and I have no heat. Have replaced the thermostat and 2 actuators and still not working. I've read several complaints on here and it sounds like a manufactures defect. The passenger side blows colder than the drivers side but its barely warm. There isn't a clicking sound with the actuator and we've replaced 2 of them in the glove box along with the thermostat. This should not be happening with a car that was bought new and only 6 yrs old.

- stacy.johnson1971, Sidney, US

problem #2

Dec 092017

Avenger ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. ONE COMPLAINT IS TOO MANY. IT'S IN THE SINGLE DIGITS HERE WHERE I LIVE IN BALTIMORE, MD. AND I AM FREEZING DRIVING THIS CAR. WHICH BY THE WAY I LOVE. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAS COOL AIR FLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS AND THE DRIVER SIDE IS VERY WARM.

IF ANYONE HAS FIXED THIS PROBLEM COULD YOU PLEASE HELP THE REST OF US. IF WE HAVE TO PAY AND A RECALL COMES LATER, I WILL BE LOOKING FOR RESTITUTION

- LP H., Baltimore, MD, US

problem #1

Apr 032017

Avenger Mainstreet 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Dodge can literally kiss my behind!!! I posted late last year due to ongoing heating/cooling issues that are a DODGE DESIGN FLAW. Was contacted by a dodge care specialist who had me bring it into a dealership. The dealership said it would take almost $3k to fix the issues. Some of the same issues that I spent $1200 on less than a year prior. Dodge declined to help me due to the "age and mileage" of my car. The issues started at 70k miles. The gentlemen at the dealership was apologetic and disappointed Dodge was not willing to help. Now currently my air doesn't work. Blows HOT air. So NO heat in the winter and HOT air in the summer. It's freaking great! And it is starting to surge at take off. I'm so done with this car, with Dodge and I'm not about to let it go. I'm a hard working single mom and pay for crap.

So 7mos later, I'm willing to roll negative equity into a brand new car (not a Dodge) because at this point, the car I had adored, I literally can't stand nor do I feel comfortable in any longer. Upon taking my car in, I find out there is a safety recall on my car. I have NO knowledge of. The kicker.. The status of recall is "Remedy not yet available" . Even better.... The recall was issued at the end of last year 6 months ago!!!

Being there is a recall and no known fix, the dealership I'm trying to trade this vehicle can't legally resell it due to the safety issue.

So now I'm in a car I absolutely HATE, that Dodge won't accept and/or take responsibility for and now is UNSAFE! So now I'm stuck in an UNSAFE vehicle I drive my children in. Maybe the news channels such as channel 12 and fox 6 need to do stories (and YES they were most certainly contacted) on the dangers Dodge puts theirs customers in and the lack of responsibility in quality vehicles. Pictures of my recall notice the dealership pulled in comments below. I'd urge everyone to be cautious of Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. They're not worth the headache or the uneasiness.

- Colleen H., Union Grove, WI, US