11 problems related to radiator have been reported for the 2012 Dodge Avenger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Dodge Avenger based on all problems reported for the 2012 Avenger.
My car just started doing this. With the heat on, the driver side blows hot air, passenger side is cool air. Took it to Dodge today, they are saying my coolant is sludgy and they need to replace the radiator, heating core, oil filter housing, and flush. For almost $2900.
Dodge left residual machining debris in the Avenger engine blocks that flows with coolant into the heater core and radiator causing the heater core to clog up and blocks heat to passenger side in the winter causing unsafe or unfit to operate in cold weather. I've had my Avenger in Dodge dealership where they confirm my heater core is blocked. It costs over 2k to fix this issue caused by defective or lack of Dodge factory engine inspections. I've spoken to fca the Dodge parent company and their answer is we should've had extended warranty even though I'm within the mileage for the factory warranty but out of amount of years coverage . My Avenger had extended warranty from an outside source but that company will not cover Dodge created malfunctions. The attached info shows my Avenger at the Dodge dealership on 03-06-2019. I also had it serviced in wichita at pr autoglass and auto services just prior to bringing it to Dodge dealership. Pr autoglass and services stated it is the heater core and that the problem cannot be flushed out as it has accumulated in the heater core blocking it from being professionally flushed. The residue was also evident in the radiator but flushing did remove that the best we can tell. Dodge has a known issue with having left this debris in the engine blocks during the machining processes on Avengers.
Tl the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving at unknown speeds, cold air emerged from the passenger side vent inside the vehicle. Also, there was no heat coming from the floor vents. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to freedom Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram by ed morse (815 e camp wisdom rd, duncanville, TX 75116, (972) 427-4019) where it was diagnosed that the oil cooler needed to be replaced and the radiator was clogged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 126,135.
Dodge left residual machining debris in the Avenger engine blocks that flows with coolant into the heater core and radiator causing the heater core to clog up and blocks heat to passenger side in the winter causing unsafe or unfit to operate in cold weather.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 35 mph, the engine overheated and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (frank fletcher Dodge in sherwood, 501-834-7700) where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that there was no recall and that the warranty expired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts, air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 101,246. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 50 mph, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road and the check engine and electronic throttle control warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator and coolant system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the alternator failed and had to be replaced a month prior. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The heat does not blow hot air on the passengers side of the car. This includes the windshield, causing a safety issue as it only clears the fog on one side. Dodge service shop said the issue is a known Chrysler issue, requiring a new radiator, heater core, and coolant bottle. At an estimate of $2235. 00. However Chrysler is refusing to do anything about it claiming it is not a known issue.
Heater only blows cold air on passenger side. I have been told this is casing sand clogging the radiator, heater core and the oil cooler. This happens as a result of the heater core being the wrong size and Chrysler fixing the issue by casting it in place. This is a safety issue for those of us who live in states where the winter gets bad. While driving in inclement weather the snow, ice, or sleet will begin to accumulate on the windshield and passenger window. The sad part is that this is the second Dodge Avenger I have had with this issue and on both occasions I have been told it is not covered under the powertrain warranty. The bumper to bumper warranty has expired both times before this has become an issue. Chrysler needs to take ownership of this defect and fix it before it causes a death. To have this repair done costs $2500 with no guarantee that it will last.
This is the second time that I only have heat on the drivers side. I was told that the problem is caused by casting sand that was in the engine which causes the radiator, heater core, and oil cooler to plug up. Not a cheap fix and I have seen complaints from many others with same issue. Manufacturer aware of problem.
Poor heating system performance. Sludge builds up in the cooling system and restricts coolant flow to the heater core causing loss of heat in the passenger compartment. Loss of heat also effects the ability to DE-ice or prevent ice and snow build up on the windshield in cold weather operation. This can create a hazardous condition as visibility is greatly reduced. Chrysler group llc has no cause for the sludge formation. The only resolution is to replace the radiator, oil cooler, heater core and radiator cap after completely flushing the cooling system. This is to be done at the owners expense and can cost over $2500.
Heater not working. (87,000 miles) took the car to the dealership where they gave me an estimate of $2500 to replace the entire coolant system (heater core, radiator, oil cooler, thermostat, water pump). The tech advised there was something restricting flow through the heater core. There is a 100,000 mile power train warranty on the car but they do not agree that the coolant system that cools the engine (power train) should be included. Where did the sediment/sludge come from? possibly oil contamination from the engine (power train)? this problem has been noted in numerous models and Dodge has released a statement to their techs to replace the entire coolant system because they know something they did is wrong. This is very similar to the problem gm had with dex-cool why is there not a recall for this problem the consumer should not be burdened with the failures of the manufacturer to provide a quality product. I hope this matter is taken seriously as it truly is a safety issue. If the heat does not work it is not just uncomfortable for the driver/passengers but it will also reduce visibility through the windshield since the defrost/heat does not work.