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2012 Dodge Avenger visibility problems

119 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,043. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
119
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
71,043
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    14
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core
    8
  • Glass, side/rear
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Avenger visibility problems in other years

199519961997199920002008200920102011201220132014

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Dodge Avenger visibility

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Wipers 11

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Dodge Avenger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Electrical, Visibility · MO

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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Visibility · 66,122 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and various other speeds, the passenger’s side of the windshield defroster blower was only blowing cold air. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the HVAC system and blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,122.

Filed Dec 14, 2022 · Visibility · OH

Little to no heat coming from vent on passenger side of cabin. Good hot heat coming from vents on driver side of cabin. Over the last 3 yrs the heater core has been replace 3 times once each year. Hot air came from all vents when replaced but as another comes around, no heat again on passenger side. Good heat on drivers side. Charlies dodge doesn't want to work on it any longer even though there is a valid warranty on the latest heater core replacement. Charlies dodge is claiming something inside the engine is coming apart and clogging the heater core. This makes no sense.

Filed Dec 7, 2022 · Visibility · PA

Window Defrost and Passenger Side Heat/Air. Either while 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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. This results in the passenger side of the front windshield being fogged up and low visibility. Problem persists through all cabin air modes and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin). I've looked online and there are many reports of this problem, including Dealer Star Case - S1207000008, and multiple dialogs on various forums (like https://www.avengerforumz.com/threads/passenger-side-no-heat-from-vents.60250/). There's a picture showing the sludge within the heater core - I'll copy and include that picture below. This is completely a manufacturing defect, and it affects the safety and drivability of the vehicle. Please feel free to contact me, if you need additional information. Thank you.

Filed Nov 19, 2022 · Visibility · MN

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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).

Filed Dec 31, 2021 · Visibility · KS

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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin)."

Filed Nov 23, 2021 · Visibility · AL

It seems to be a common issue that I'm experiencing as well. When I turn the heat on it only blows hot on the driver side. So depending on the weather conditions, it may completely fog up the passenger side of my window. Making it dangerous for driving when you're trying to defrost a window with cold air.

Filed Sep 30, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · WA

My wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when it’s pouring outside. Now my horn won’t turn off! I was told that it’s the TIPM and it’s a known issue with my car.

Filed Feb 18, 2021 · Visibility · 108,442 miles · AZ

"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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin)."

Filed Dec 18, 2020 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · MT

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. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).

Questions about the 2012 Dodge Avenger visibility

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 119 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 21% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Avenger visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,043 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge Avenger visibility?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Dodge Avenger have the most visibility problems?

The Dodge Avenger model years with the most visibility complaints are 2012 (119 complaints), 2013 (51 complaints) and 2008 (34 complaints).

Other 2012 Dodge Avenger problems

Airbags 109Electrical 109Engine 91Seat belts 43Transmission 31Driver assistance 28Brakes 23Body 20Steering 20Fuel system 19Acceleration 16Seats 14Lights 13Suspension 10Wheels 5Tires 1

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