2012 Dodge Avenger — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–29 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Dodge Avenger workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Dodge Avenger: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 29 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model). EPA passenger volume changes from 101 to 100 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 4-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4755 mm |
| Width | 1740 mm |
| Height | 1346 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 100 cu ft (2,832 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 25 urban / 35 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 21 city / 29 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 230 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Dodge Avenger across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg (US), or 26 to 29 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/29) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/30) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/28) | 251 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Dodge Avenger
Running Costs: 2012 Dodge Avenger
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Dodge Avenger at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Dodge Avenger Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Avenger (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Seat belts (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seats — campaign 17V640000, reported 10 October 2017. Risk: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Seat belts — campaign 16V668000, reported 15 September 2016. Risk: 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…
- Electrical system — campaign 13V282000, reported 2 July 2013. Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Avenger. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (163), Electrical system (109), Air bags (109). Complaints include 34 reported crashes, 7 reported fires, 35 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 209 complaints across the 5 Dodge Avenger model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Dodge Avenger
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 109 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (109 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Visibility (95 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Seats (1 recall campaign) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Dodge models in our database average about 25 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Dodge Avenger's 29 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 230 g/km CO₂ figure is 39 g/km lower than the 269 g/km Dodge average.
Of the 5 Dodge Avenger model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined). See every Dodge Avenger year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Dodge Avenger
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Dodge Avenger: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 4-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 29 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Dodge Avenger cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Dodge Avenger (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Seat belts (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Among the 554 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (163 complaints), Electrical system (109 complaints), Air bags (109 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.