While driving at about 30 mph the engine suddenly quit and would not immediately restart. The electrical system was shut down and electric door latches would not function. This vehicle recently had a new battery installed after it periodically failed to start. After having the car towed to the dealership and sitting for several days, it restarted. Dealership mechanics could not find a problem.
Dodge Avenger door locks problems
35 of the 3,158 owner complaints about the Dodge Avenger describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 35
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 65,225
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20141
- 20134
- 20123
- 20101
- 200814
- 19994
- 19983
- 19961
- 19954
Often reported together
Stalling 2Overheating 2Fire or smoke 2Check engine light 2Grinding brakes 2Airbag light 2Won't shift 1Pulling 1
What owners say
The interior drivers side door handle sliced my finger when I opened the door.. It looks like the metal is separating and is sharp as a knife.... My other issue is .. There is a clicking noise in my passenger side dash board.. On the driver side the vents blow hot air and the passenger side vent blows cold air.
When at the fuel pump getting gas it overfills every time. Safety hazard has a rough idle when sitting at a stop light without a check engine light and no check engine light has come up for it. Speedometer is off door handle sticks not allowing me to close my door while I'm in it have to push the handle towards the door to get it to close. Trunk doesn't close all the way. Also when opening after it rains it leaks all over my stuff
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 dodge avenger. The contact stated that there were several failures that progressed, such as the front passenger side door handle fractured. The dealer replaced the door handle. The brake system was serviced several times and, while driving, the vehicle overheated and was pulled into a refueling station. The contact looked under the hood and noticed that the hose fractured from the radiator. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failures and had to be towed to a dealer. The dealer (kendall dodge, 786‑231‑2120, 13355 137th ave, miami, fl 33186) was notified of the failure. The contact was uncertain as to when the vehicle would be repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of a manufacturer's recall more than two years ago. The remedy and part were not available to receive the repair within a reasonable time frame for the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags and seat belts). The manufacturer was notified of the failures and the contact was waiting to determine when the recall repair would be completed. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
The metal coating on all of the door handles is defective. It is peeling up exposing a very sharp edge on all handles that causes deep lacerations on hand.
Drivers side door won't close. There was a recall on other avengers for this same issue but not for my car itself. Had to drive two hours back home with the door tied shut. Extremely dangerous and should be checked into for other avengers, maybe expand the recall? Car was parked when this happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 45 MPH, a burning odor emitted from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the driver's side power door lock was emitting smoke. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,297.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that the door latch would not latch in order to remain closed. The door ajar warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the door latch assembly failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge avenger. While the vehicle was stationary, the traction control indicator illuminated without warning. The contact stated that the transmission had a downshift issue and would not switch gears properly. In addition, the engine overheated due to a coolant overflow. Furthermore, the engine made a loud shaking noise while driving. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 65,225. Updated 01/25/17*lj the consumer stated A/C is broken, and windows/door locks jam.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. Upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. The contact also indicated that water poured in excess when the trunk was opened and that there may be a potential leak within a seal. Also, the front passenger side door handle was deteriorating without warning. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v282000 (air bags, electrical system). The dealer was unable to determine when the part would become available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Related recalls
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing possibly causing the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative.
- Risk
- Driving a vehicle with an unlatched door can result in an unbelted front seat occupant falling out of the vehicle or being ejected in a crash, causing increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a secondary retention feature to both front doors. This action will supersede and expand a previous safety recall (please see 07v‑104). The recall began on october 29, 2007. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V414000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing causing the door latch to stick in the open position and not be secured to the striker.
- Risk
- During certain crash conditions, the possibility of a door opening could cause an unbelted passenger to be ejected, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Remedy
- This action is superseded (please see 07-v414.) dealers will add free of charge a secondary feature to both front doors to prevent the door latch cable ferrule from becoming unseated at the interior front door release handle housing. The recall began on april 30, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 07V104000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Avenger door locks
Which Dodge Avenger years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (14 complaints), 1995 (4 complaints) and 1999 (4 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Dodge Avenger?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history