2011 Dodge Avenger

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is a midsize sedan known for its affordable price, spacious and comfortable interior, and available V6 engine. However, it has been plagued by several issues affecting different components of the vehicle.

Engine

• 2.4L 4-Cylinder
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: Leaking gasket causes coolant and oil leaks, leading to overheating and engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.6L V6
  • Timing chain tensioner failure: Tensioner fails, causing the timing chain to slip or break, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner and related components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: 20V499

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (42RLE)
  • Solenoid pack failure: Solenoids malfunction, causing shifting problems, slipping, and transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replace solenoid pack.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
    • Recalls: 19V987, 21V107
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (62TE)
  • Torque converter shudder: Torque converter malfunctions, causing vibrations and shuddering during acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,500
    • Recalls: 17V717, 18V436, 20V344

Suspension

• Front lower control arms: Premature wear or failure, leading to alignment issues, excessive tire wear, and handling problems.
  • Solution: Replace lower control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorbers: Shocks wear out prematurely, causing bouncing and instability.
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $400 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty ignition coils: Coils malfunction, leading to misfires, stalling, and starting problems.
  • Solution: Replace ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 per coil
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure: Alternator fails, causing charging problems and battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: 22V345

Exterior

• Door lock actuating rods: Rods fail, causing difficulty locking and unlocking doors.
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuating rods.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 per door
  • Recalls: 15V473

Interior

• Climate control failure: Climate control system malfunctions, causing issues with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair specific climate control components (e.g., blower motor, blend door).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on specific component
  • Recalls: 14V171, 17V968
• Electrical window switches: Switches fail or become inoperable, preventing windows from rolling up or down.
  • Solution: Replace faulty switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per switch
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2011 Dodge Avenger has been plagued by a range of issues affecting its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. These issues vary in severity and cost to fix. Some issues, such as the timing chain tensioner failure on the 3.6L V6 engine, can lead to catastrophic engine failure and expensive repairs. Others, such as the faulty ignition coils, are relatively minor and less costly to address. It’s important for owners to be aware of these potential problems and to have their vehicles regularly inspected and maintained to prevent or mitigate these issues.