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2011 Dodge Avenger Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.41
Based on 55 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Simon A | March 31, 2025
The 2011 Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan intended to offer an affordable and stylish option for buyers. Produced from 2008 to 2014, the 2011 model aimed for a bolder look than its predecessor. Key trims included the Express, Mainstreet, Lux, and Heat. New pricing ranged roughly from $19,000 to $24,000. Its relatively aggressive styling and available V6 engine were often cited as distinguishing factors, appealing to those seeking a sporty-looking sedan on a budget.
The Good

The 2011 Dodge Avenger offered a bold, muscular design that appealed to emotional buyers. A V6 engine option provided decent performance. For practical buyers, its initial affordability and spacious interior were attractive. While not class-leading, it provided adequate comfort and decent fuel economy for its class, representing a value proposition at its price point.

The Bad

The 2011 Dodge Avenger suffered from below-average interior quality with hard plastics. Reliability was a concern, with reports of electrical issues and transmission problems. Its crash test ratings were also not as high as some competitors. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle's history and mechanical condition.

2011 Dodge Avenger: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.4L I4: 173 horsepower, 166 lb-ft of torque
    • 3.6L V6 (available on select trims): 283 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque
  • Horsepower:
    • 173 hp (2.4L I4)
    • 283 hp (3.6L V6)
  • Fuel Economy (estimated):
    • 2.4L I4: 21 city / 30 highway MPG
    • 3.6L V6: 19 city / 29 highway MPG
  • 0-60 Times (estimated):
    • 2.4L I4: 9.1 seconds
    • 3.6L V6: 6.5 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing.
  • Trim Level Features:
    • Express: Base model with basic features like air conditioning, power windows/locks, and a basic audio system.
    • Mainstreet: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seats, and a better audio system.
    • Lux: Includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and premium audio.
    • Heat: Sport-themed trim with unique styling elements, sport seats, and premium audio. Available with the V6 engine.
    • Higher trims might include features like a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded wheels.

2011 Dodge Avenger Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2011
Make Dodge
Model Avenger
Trim -
Style -
Type Sedan
Category Compact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In United States
Manufacturing City -
Dimensions
Doors -
Curb Weight -
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height -
Overall Length -
Overall Width -
Wheelbase Length -
Standard Seating -
Engine & Performance
Engine 2.4L L4
Engine Size 2.4L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission -
Transmission Type -
Transmission Speeds -
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System -
Steering Type -
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) -
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

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What Problems Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger Have?

The 2011 Dodge Avenger has a history of reported problems. Frequently cited issues include electrical problems such as malfunctioning sensors, issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), and problems with the car's computer system. Transmission issues, including rough shifting and premature failure, are also common complaints. Owners have also reported problems with the air conditioning system, particularly compressor failures.
Several recalls affected the 2011 Dodge Avenger. These included recalls for potential issues with the airbag system, brake system, and engine stalling. It's crucial to check the vehicle's VIN with the NHTSA to verify that all applicable recalls have been addressed.
Long-term reliability is a significant concern. The Avenger's relatively poor build quality and the aforementioned electrical and transmission issues contribute to higher-than-average repair costs over time. Some model years have been flagged as having particularly high rates of certain failures, so researching specific production dates can be beneficial. Overall, owners should anticipate the potential for more frequent and costly repairs compared to some competitors.

How long will the 2011 Dodge Avenger last?

With proper maintenance, a 2011 Dodge Avenger could potentially reach 150,000-200,000 miles or more. However, due to its noted reliability issues, achieving this often requires diligent care. Electrical problems, transmission wear, and rust are common long-term durability concerns. Owners reporting higher mileage figures generally emphasize regular fluid changes, timely repairs, and preventative maintenance. Neglecting scheduled services will likely shorten the vehicle's lifespan significantly. The build quality and component durability aren't as robust as some competitors, impacting its long-term potential.
Positive Owner Reviews
Wilderness
very sporty. Great getup and go. Good power. Great on gas. Very versatile. Sleek design sporty look. Comfortable for long rides. Dependable car. A nice line of cars.
LittlebigFox
I am honestly an easy person with vehicles, as I don't know or understand them enough to care. But this car works for me. I'm 6'5 and have enough head room. It takes turns with out feeling like I'm about to fall. Great gas mileage. Had my first issue at 90,000. But it was human error, rock lodged in wheel near the break. Had to have new breaks and calipers put on. Works great still. I haven't had to take my care in for anything other than oil changes. And the periodic maintenance as needed.
BigC
Vehicle is very reliable. We have put a lot of miles on this car. We've traveled from PA to NC and back numerous times over the years. Many, many trips from our house to our daughters college in Pittsburgh PA , which is 2 hours away, every weekend for 2years. Trips to OH. Trips to Myrtle Beach. My husband has a second job as a pizza delivery person 2 days a week for the past few years. We are definitely getting our money out of this car. When we purchased this car we were told it was a rental car. So it has definitely been run. We love it 💜
Negative Owner Reviews
Bitter Renter
Rented this car for the week, took it to Yosemite with spouse and 9 mo old. First impression: Dated exterior design, even with the revamp. Interior seems good at first look for a basic model. Storage is awful. Check the stats (if you can find them, they're not on the Dodge website) it has a full 3.5 cubic feet less than a Fusion and less than ANYTHING else in this class. You can fit one 29 inch suitcase (hopefully soft sided or it'll get scratched up getting in the small opening) and a BOB stroller if you take all the wheels off (aggravating to do constantly), then stuff one more soft bag in, hopefully without getting it caught in the trunk closure. Exposed wiring gets in the way here - a lot. Rear seat is decent for a car seat and base with latch, but again clogs up quickly with luggage due to the limits of the trunk. The other carryon, plus travel "purse" and pack 'n' play soak up all the available space here. Driving the car initially seems OK. Driver feedback is awful, but that is a given in this class. It is pretty quiet, but nothing to write home about as we get into the city from the airport. Rough pavement is still iffy and the car does not like to move suddenly... which leads to the next phase. In San Francisco, and later on the highway, it becomes apparent that the 4 cylinder in this car is woefully inadequate, whether the car is empty save driver or carrying the crew and cargo. Getting up the moderate streets at low speeds is a chore, and the transmission holds on for dear life not to downshift and help out the ailing engine. At highway speed, there is no acceleration. I mean none. The engine makes a noise like a pack of chihuahuas and about as much power. The car stays going the same speed with the pedal to the floor, even after the transmission gives in jarringly and sends the engine into "angry chihuahua" mode. In Yosemite, this is like a cruel joke. The car cannot maintain the speed limit. I had to pull off at most of the turnouts to let real cars pass. Hoping that this pathetic performance led to at least decent gas mileage led to inevitable disappointment: a lackluser 23mpg with a large chunk of highway driving (in park, we used the free transit where possible). I was excited initially when we made it out of the park with a quarter tank to go, until the fill still recorded 15 gallons? This thing needs a nearly 20 gallon tank to get it's range?? I hope the V6 is better, but the 4 is not fit for a commuter vehicle let alone a trip. This is on a car with 3500 miles on it. Returning to the interior, the cloth seats soak up heat in black, making you constantly push the A/C in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. The seats are so unsupportive that two average height adults both have sore backs and shoulders from totally unsupportive, squishy seats X 4 hours... with enough stops for a 9 month old and her mom. The lumbar adjustment is laughable and only deforms the squishy seat slightly. Really at this point, I have to level a pot shot at the stereo, which is muffled in every register and has boomy bass, but not in a good way. It is thoroughly unbalanced. It does come in base trim with an aux jack, which I appreciate, but sound quality is tortured unless you like the "lo fi" effect. Understand that some of these issues can be fixed with trim packages, some cannot. Apparently many are helped by the V6, judging from the reviews, but anyone looking to find a very basic model should run screaming to another dealership.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2011 Dodge Avenger offered a relatively basic tech package for its time. Standard features included a CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. Higher trims offered upgrades like a touchscreen infotainment system (typically a smaller screen), satellite radio, and a premium sound system. Bluetooth connectivity was available as an option, but not standard on all trims. Navigation was available on some upper trims.
Driver-assistance features were limited. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) were standard. More advanced features like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning were not available.
Safety features included standard front and side airbags.
Crash-test ratings varied depending on the agency. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) ratings were generally adequate, but the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ratings showed some weaknesses, particularly in side-impact tests. Prospective buyers should research specific crash-test results for the 2011 model year from both organizations to fully understand the safety performance.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat
Black Clearcoat
Redline 2 Coat Pearl
Blackberry Pearlcoat
Deep Water Blue Pearlcoat
Stone White Clearcoat
Tungsten Metallic Clearcoat
Interior Colors
Dark Charcoal Gray
Light Pebble Beige

2011 Dodge Avenger Prices and Market Value

The 2011 Dodge Avenger had a starting MSRP around $19,000, with higher trims reaching up to $24,000 when new. As of today, used market prices typically range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000, depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. The Avenger experienced significant depreciation due to its reliability concerns and lower perceived value compared to competitors. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, mechanical condition, accident history, and trim level. Models with the V6 engine and in better condition tend to hold slightly more value.

2011 Dodge Avenger Cost of Ownership

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is generally considered moderately costly to own long-term. Insurance costs are typically average for its class. While fuel economy is decent, potential maintenance and repair expenses can be higher due to the car's reliability issues. Expect potentially frequent repairs, especially as the vehicle ages. Due to these factors, the initial low purchase price might be offset by increased ownership costs over time.

2011 Dodge Avenger Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity -
City Mileage -
Highway Mileage -

2011 Dodge Avenger Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Side Overall Star Rating Not Tested
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating Not Tested
Combined Rear Seat Rating Not Tested
Overall Frontal Star Rating Not Tested
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating Not Tested
Side Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Side Pole Star Rating Not Tested
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2011 Dodge Avenger Insurance

Insurance for a 2011 Dodge Avenger is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger Compare to Other Sedan?

Compared to rivals like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Ford Fusion, the 2011 Dodge Avenger generally falls short in several key areas. Its performance is adequate with the V6, but the base engine is less refined than competitors. In terms of features, it offers a similar set, but the execution and quality of materials are often inferior. Reliability is a major weakness, with the Avenger consistently scoring lower than its Japanese and American rivals. Price is where the Avenger initially shines, offering a lower entry point.
Alternatives to consider include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which offer superior reliability and resale value. The Ford Fusion provides a more refined driving experience and better overall quality. The Mazda6 is another option, offering sporty handling and a stylish design. While the Avenger might be tempting due to its low price, the long-term ownership costs and potential reliability issues make the alternatives a more sensible choice for most buyers. If budget is the absolute primary concern and a mechanic can thoroughly inspect the vehicle, the Avenger might suffice. Otherwise, alternatives are generally recommended.

Ranks #2155 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0β˜…)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0β˜…)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0β˜…)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0β˜…)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (4.0β˜…)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0β˜…)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0β˜…)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0β˜…)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0β˜…)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0β˜…)
2155 2011 Dodge Avenger (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger a Good Sedan?

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is best suited for buyers on a very tight budget who prioritize style over long-term reliability and refinement. It might be worth considering if purchased at a significantly lower price than comparable vehicles and only after a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic. A well-maintained V6 model could offer decent performance for the price. However, given its history of reliability issues and lower resale value, buyers should carefully weigh the potential long-term costs. For most, more reliable alternatives in the mid-size sedan segment are a better investment. Buying new is not advised, and only a used example in exceptional condition should be entertained.

2011 Dodge Avenger Owner Reviews

4.41
Consumer Rating, Based on 55 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Blatantjames on October 31, 2020

Good car till you put mikes on it

Let's see where do I begin.At first it was a great car then at 60,000 miles radiator went out. Then Ac. The parts under the hood are made of plastic crap. Took very good care of it but at 151000 miles transmission was gone. 130000 miles the clock spring broke and the horn would just sound while driving. Started stalling out at 50000 miles too. Great acceleration and gas mileage at first but not a long term car. Big plus is that To get to the battery you have to remove the front left wheel. Unreliable long term. I will never buy a dodge vehicle again. Never

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Wilderness on May 11, 2020

my favorite car

very sporty. Great getup and go. Good power. Great on gas. Very versatile. Sleek design sporty look. Comfortable for long rides. Dependable car. A nice line of cars.

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LittlebigFox on April 22, 2020

It gets me to where I need to go.

I am honestly an easy person with vehicles, as I don't know or understand them enough to care. But this car works for me. I'm 6'5 and have enough head room. It takes turns with out feeling like I'm about to fall. Great gas mileage. Had my first issue at 90,000. But it was human error, rock lodged in wheel near the break. Had to have new breaks and calipers put on. Works great still. I haven't had to take my care in for anything other than oil changes. And the periodic maintenance as needed.

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Tony Mc on December 26, 2019

Decent little ride

Not exactly what I wanted but not disappointed at all. Monthly payments are way below expectations. Very happy to see it has a CD player (although hidden) and also came with SiriusXM..Just wish the Uconnect was enabled!!

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BigC on October 15, 2019

Very reliable.

Vehicle is very reliable. We have put a lot of miles on this car. We've traveled from PA to NC and back numerous times over the years. Many, many trips from our house to our daughters college in Pittsburgh PA , which is 2 hours away, every weekend for 2years. Trips to OH. Trips to Myrtle Beach. My husband has a second job as a pizza delivery person 2 days a week for the past few years. We are definitely getting our money out of this car. When we purchased this car we were told it was a rental car. So it has definitely been run. We love it 💜

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AMADEUS0 on May 3, 2019

This is my first car and I love it so much

I bought the Dodge avenger 3.6L SXT and this is the best car I've drove so far, it is so comfortable and easy to take in hand.

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GgK on February 15, 2019

Reminds me of the Plymouth I used to have...

I love the style and comfort the most. It's small but big enough for my large dog or a child's car seat and she is pretty darn nice on the gas mileage! They didn't have the color options I was hoping for but I am getting over it. Digging the heated seats as well.

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Bgreenleaf on December 6, 2018

Good car

It did what I bought it for! I?ve had it for six year and it?s still going strong. It now has about 175k miles on it. It?s in its second motor however.

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Avenger on November 9, 2018

Heater problem

Heat problem checked out twice by mechanics , flushed mutiple times , heat on driver side only 48000 m . Was told needed heater core and it would happen again

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averyclark on September 12, 2018

Great Purchase

I love how smooth this car drives. Best test drive I had done all day, and was sold when I drove this car. Very spacious, but doesn't feel like you are driving an SUV.

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Simon A

Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.