The 2013 Dodge Avenger represents the tail end of a platform that Chrysler was eager to retire. Quality control was inconsistent, and the 62TE transmission paired with four-cylinder models is a known weak point that often fails prematurely.
62TE Automatic Transmission Failure (2.4L models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, Transmission slipping or refusing to upshift, Check engine light with P0841 or P0748 codes, Metal shavings in transmission fluid, burnt smell
Fix: Transmission oil cooler failure contaminates fluid and destroys clutch packs. Band-aid fixes don't hold—needs rebuild or replacement. 8-12 labor hours for R&R plus rebuild time.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
2.4L World Engine Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Low oil pressure warning, potential knocking if run low, Carbon buildup on spark plugs causing misfires
Fix: Piston ring and cylinder wear from inadequate oiling design. Short-block replacement or full engine rebuild required. 16-20 labor hours for proper fix.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,800
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Electrical Gremlins
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump intermittently won't prime, no-start condition, Gauges going haywire or reading incorrectly, Random power window or lock operation, Wipers activating on their own, horn beeping randomly
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle front-center, Low transmission fluid warning or slipping, Visible fluid seepage at radiator connection points, Milky transmission fluid if cooler fails internally
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through or rubber sections crack. Replace lines and flush system if contaminated. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Front Engine Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration at idle, especially in Drive, Clunking when accelerating or shifting into gear, Visible separation or oil leaking from hydraulic mount
Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail and cause harsh NVH. Replace upper mount assembly, 1.5-2 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Water Pump Failure (3.6L Pentastar)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from timing cover area, Whining or grinding noise from front of engine, Overheating, temperature gauge climbing into red, Coolant puddle under front of vehicle after sitting
Fix: Pentastar water pump is internally mounted behind timing cover. Major job requiring timing chain removal. 5-7 labor hours, replace timing components while in there.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Owner tips
If buying a 2.4L model, check transmission fluid condition immediately—dark or burnt fluid means walk away
Monitor oil level religiously on 2.4L engines; catch consumption early before engine damage occurs
Service transmission every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fluid' claims—extends life significantly
Budget for TIPM replacement as preventive measure if electrical issues start appearing
Avoid unless deeply discounted—the 2.4L/62TE combo is a financial time bomb, and even V6 models carry rental-fleet fatigue from their original purpose.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
Consequence: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · 16V668000
2016-09-15
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
ENGINE · 13V552000
2013-11-06
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Consequence: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 13V282000
2013-07-02
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · 13V043000
2013-02-06
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2012, through November 2, 2012. These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly.
Consequence: A broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly may lead to an engine stall or fuel leakage. An engine stall while driving may contribute to a vehicle crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly and replace any affected control valves, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
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