DecodedCars2012 Dodge Avenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan R/T, 4dr Sedan Sx Canada Value Package/Sxt
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,393–3,607 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Overview
The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,607 lb (4dr Sedan R/T).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 0% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 491 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Avenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Avenger →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan R/T | 192.5 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 109.1 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,607 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Sedan Sx Canada Value Package/Sxt | 192.5 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 109.1 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 3,393 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Avenger | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Avenger FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Dodge Avenger.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Avenger (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint · Oct 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V640000 · 363,930 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags · Jul 2, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V282000 · 442,320 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2012 Dodge Avenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Dodge Avenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 94 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 93 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 91 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 76,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Avenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Avenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Avenger | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 193 |
| 2013 Avenger | 23 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 500 |
| 2011 Avenger | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 160 |
| 2010 Avenger | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 112 |
| 2009 Avenger | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 37 |
| 2008 Avenger | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 275 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →