The 2013 Dodge Avenger is a solid compact sedan offering average reliability. The car’s biggest problems are handled by recalls, like the motor’s likelihood to stall. Yet, a number of smaller issues mentioned by owners, like the transmission hesitating between shifts, remain unresolved.
Key Points
- Dodge’s 2013 Avenger has 502 complaints on file with the NHTSA, which has led to five recalls. Two relate to the engine, and the other three to safety systems that may not work as intended.
- The engine recalls see the motor stalling while driving, putting owners in potentially scary situations. Thankfully, most engine-related problems are resolved by these factory fixes.
- The car’s other three recalls pertain to head restraints and airbags that may not deploy/activate during an accident. In general, a control module reset will solve the issues.
- Additional owner complaints mention the transmission hesitating or not shifting correctly between gears. While a number of fixes have been applied, none seem to fully resolve the matter.
- Should you avoid the 2013 Dodge Avenger over the car’s problems? No, but you should run the VIN to ensure all recalls have been performed before buying, and you should take it for a test drive to ensure the tranny shifts smoothly.
Engine Stalling Problems Lead to Two Recalls Being Issued for the 2013 Dodge Avenger
Dodge’s 2013 Avenger sedan is the second-to-last year of the compact car, as well as its second best-selling model. Unfortunately for owners, a number of problems have been reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows there are 502 complaints registered against the 2013 Avenger, and five recalls issued. Of these, most powertrain-related complaints mention engine stalling, which has led to two of the vehicle’s recalls.
The first concerns the loss of oil pressure in models equipped with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine. In these, debris may damage the motor’s balance shaft — a component that reduces engine vibrations — causing it to stall or fail.
The second pertains to a broken control valve in the fuel tank. Ultimately, a sufficient amount of fuel may not reach the engine, possibly causing it to stall. Additionally, fuel may leak, creating a potential fire hazard.
Most of the model’s engine-related complaints stem from these two problems.
The Remaining Three Recalls Concern Safety Features in the 2013 Dodge Avenger Not Working as Intended
Each of the remaining three recalls concerns the car’s safety features, including the head restraints and airbags.
For the head restraints — which protect against neck injury in the event of a rear collision — electrical overstress may cause the feature to not operate correctly in an accident.
Two recalls were issued for this issue, and the fix is pretty simple: dealers will perform a flash (reset) of the power module that controls them, or replace it, which should clear things up.
As for the airbag-related recall, the control module that determines if the airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners should activate may short circuit. Should this occur, both safety features may not work as intended, putting occupants at risk of serious injury in a wreck.
Owners Complain of Various Problems with the 2013 Dodge Avenger, Like the Climate System Not Blowing Warm Air on One Side and the Transmission Not Shifting Correctly
Looking at owner mentions from Car Complaints, which filters/supplements reports from the NHTSA, you’ll find a number of problems that have yet to receive recalls.
Of these, the climate system not blowing warm air on the passenger’s side is the most common.
“Like many others here, I’ve had no heat on the passenger side,” mentions one 2013 Avenger owner. “Since I pulled it off the lot my heat on the passenger side hasn’t worked,” shares another.
Numerous fixes have been attempted, including replacing the radiator, heater core, thermostat, and more. Ultimately most owners mention spending $1,000 or more before their heater blows warm on both sides.
While rare, several 2013 Dodge Avenger owners on the site also complain of the transmission hesitating, clicking, or not shifting between gears.
Digging deeper, we find more mentions of this issue on sites like Avenger Forumz.
“…When I start my car…the transmission changes from 1st gear to 2nd gear without a problem,” begins one thread. “But, when…the transmission needs to downshift from 2nd gear to 1st gear, it sounds a ‘CLACK,’ and the car moves abruptly.”
A number of replies echo similar problems, trying fixes like replacing the tranny fluid, the shift solenoid, and more. Unfortunately, no surefire resolution has been reached.
Yes, the 2013 Dodge Avenger has a Few Problems, but Not Enough to Avoid the Car Altogether
Ultimately, the 2013 Dodge Avenger is not a bad vehicle. Yes, there are a few things to inspect/double-check before buying, like ensuring all recalls have been performed and that the tranny shifts smoothly.
But should you avoid the model? No, as it’s an affordable car in the compact class, gets great gas mileage, and in most cases, shouldn’t present owners with too many problems.
Photos: Dodge
