Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Avenger, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 20 | 12% |
| Air bags | 19 | 12% |
| Air bags | 12 | 7% |
| Power train | 11 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 7% |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 6% |
| Engine | 9 | 6% |
| Steering | 4 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
brakes are bad paint and body arent in good condition have had some stalling problems
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Every time I start my car, the airbag lights stays on. It will not turn off.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
Right turn signal has gone dismantled. It works erratically. Previously Baxter changed it. It had warranty for 3 years or 36000 miles. 3 years has passed but it did not surpassed 36000 miles yet. New motherboard of this
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to lower the driver's side window, the window fell off the track and fell into the door panel. The contact stated that the failure became a regul
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
Airbag lights turns on and off and I think it's a manufacturer problem with the harness behind or under the seat. I read it's a common problem.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced an electrical short. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not dia
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle started rattling at the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive powe
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle would no
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Dodge Avenger. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 pret
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 deploy
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
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEER
Risk: LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
| Reliability raw | 62 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 45 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 20 of them (12%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 62/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 64/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.