FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1996 Dodge Avenger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 157 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Dodge Avenger, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 71 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1998 | 1 | 35 |
| Sep 1998 | 2 | 37 |
| Nov 1998 | 3 | 40 |
| Dec 1998 | 2 | 42 |
| Jan 1999 | 3 | 45 |
| Feb 1999 | 3 | 48 |
| Mar 1999 | 2 | 50 |
| May 1999 | 4 | 54 |
| Jun 1999 | 2 | 56 |
| Jul 1999 | 1 | 57 |
| Aug 1999 | 3 | 60 |
| Sep 1999 | 5 | 65 |
| Oct 1999 | 3 | 68 |
| Dec 1999 | 2 | 70 |
| Jan 2000 | 2 | 72 |
| Feb 2000 | 3 | 75 |
| Apr 2000 | 3 | 78 |
| Jun 2000 | 3 | 81 |
| Jul 2000 | 2 | 83 |
| Sep 2000 | 3 | 86 |
| Oct 2000 | 4 | 90 |
| Nov 2000 | 1 | 91 |
| Dec 2000 | 1 | 92 |
| Feb 2001 | 3 | 95 |
| Mar 2001 | 3 | 98 |
| Apr 2001 | 3 | 101 |
| May 2001 | 2 | 103 |
| Jun 2001 | 7 | 110 |
| Jul 2001 | 1 | 111 |
| Aug 2001 | 2 | 113 |
| Oct 2001 | 1 | 114 |
| Dec 2001 | 1 | 115 |
| Jan 2002 | 1 | 116 |
| Feb 2002 | 2 | 118 |
| Apr 2002 | 4 | 122 |
| Jul 2002 | 5 | 127 |
| Aug 2002 | 3 | 130 |
| Sep 2002 | 1 | 131 |
| Oct 2002 | 3 | 134 |
| Dec 2002 | 1 | 135 |
| Feb 2003 | 1 | 136 |
| Mar 2003 | 2 | 138 |
| Apr 2003 | 1 | 139 |
| May 2003 | 1 | 140 |
| Jun 2003 | 1 | 141 |
| Aug 2003 | 1 | 142 |
| Oct 2003 | 1 | 143 |
| Dec 2003 | 1 | 144 |
| Jan 2004 | 1 | 145 |
| Feb 2004 | 1 | 146 |
| Apr 2004 | 2 | 148 |
| Aug 2004 | 1 | 149 |
| Oct 2004 | 1 | 150 |
| Feb 2005 | 1 | 151 |
| Mar 2005 | 1 | 152 |
| Nov 2005 | 1 | 153 |
| Dec 2006 | 1 | 154 |
| Oct 2007 | 1 | 155 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 156 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 157 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Suspension5928.6%
- Brakes2512.1%
- Engine2411.7%
- Transmission199.2%
- Electrical125.8%
- Seat belts115.3%
- Airbags104.9%
- Exterior lighting83.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I WAS DRIVING AND THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL LOWERBALL JOINT BROKE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I CALLED DODGE DEALER.THEY SAID THEY FIX IT ONCE. THEY WON'T DO IT AGAIN. WELL IF THE PROBLEM STILL HAVING THEY NEED TO FIX IT RIGHT. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. NOW I WAS ON THE HWY
- NHTSA ID
- 10839333
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2016
- Mileage
- 19,856 mi
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT SIDE IS GOING AND I'VE GONE TO DELUCA CHRYSLER IN HAVERHILL MA TWICE AND BOTH TIMES TOLD ME THAT IT WAS ALREADY SERVICED AND WHEN I ASKED HIM WHAT SIDE WAS SERVICED HE COULDN'T ANSWER ME AND I ASKED HIM IF THEY COULD CHECK MY SINCE IT SHOULD STILL BE COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY HE TOLD ME NO AND JUST TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT ANY REPAIR LIKE CONTROL ARMS, TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS AND STRUTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED IN PAIRS AND THEY ONLY REPAIRED THE RIGHT SIDE ON 8/6/02. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10209672
- Incident
- Nov 21, 2007
- Mileage
- 89,500 mi
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE AVENGER. IN 2005, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DIRT HILL. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT HER RESIDENCE. DODGE WANTS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION ON HER VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY ARE ASKING HER TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REFUSES BECAUSE SHE BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 10205038
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2005
- Mileage
- 128,000 mi
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT, AND WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR WARNING MY TIRE SNAPPED OFF MY AXLE! THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED SO I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER PLACE THAT ALSO WORKS ON MY CAR WHENEVER I HAVE PROBLEMS. THE PART THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED WAS THE "LOWER ARM CONTROL" ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT DAY, BECAUSE NOT MORE THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THIS INCIDENT I HAD JUST DRIVEN HOME, APPROX. 10 MILES, ON THE HIGHWAY IN 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC!! I DID NOT GET HURT!! I WAS NEVER MAILED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE LOWER ARM CONTROL; NOT EVEN IN 1999 OR 2000!!!!!!!!! I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW FROM DODGE, SO I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN SOMEBODY'S COMPUTER SYSTEM TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES!!!! NOW, THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PART TO BE FIXED OUT OF MY POCKET, HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED? I GOT BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER ARM CONTROLS REPLACED. *NM
- NHTSA ID
- 10176863
- Incident
- Dec 19, 2006
- Mileage
- 143,000 mi
PER TWO SEPARATE RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER, I BROUGHT MY 1996 DODGE AVENGER INTO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS INSPECTED AND RESEALED. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INSPECTED AND BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME NO FURTHER WORK WAS NEEDED. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER SAY,IF THE BALL JOINTS ARE NOT DAMAGED OR WORN, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE SEALED. THIS WAS NOT DONE TO MY VEHICLE AND ON 11/21/05 WHILE DRIVING I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER WHEN THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED. *JB
- NHTSA ID
- 10143330
- Incident
- Nov 21, 2005
DODGE AVENGER 1996, BALL JOINT AND AXLE BROKE. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN# 99V066003. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONSUMER EXPECTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL 1 YEAR LATER. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE RECEIPT WAS NOT TYPED IT WAS HAND WRITTEN. *JB
- NHTSA ID
- 10113801
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2005
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1996 DODGE AVENGER. I RECEIVED THIS CAR FROM MY FATHER. ON FEBRUARY 26 2004 AS I WAS LEAVING WORK, SOMETHING BROKE. UPON HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP, I HAD TO HAVE THE CV SHAFT, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY, REPLACED. THIS COST ME OUT OF POCKET, $629.45. THEN ON 10/1/04 I HAD TO HAVE THE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. WHICH COST ANOTHER $ 325.16. I NOW REALIZE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I ASKED MY FATHER, WHO WAS THE OWNER OF THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, IF HE WAS EVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND HE SAID NO. I AM UPSET NOW TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND I HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I AM ASKING IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO BE REIMBERSED FOR SOME OR ALL OF THE EXPENSE THAT I INCURRED.*AK
- NHTSA ID
- 10111978
- Incident
- Feb 26, 2004
- Mileage
- 121,251 mi
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SEE DUE TO LENS HAVING A CLOUDY RESIDUE ON THEM. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR LENS WERE NOT ON RECALL. CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR. *AK
- NHTSA ID
- 10097656
- Incident
- Oct 25, 2004
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
STRUCTURE
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
EQUIPMENT
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
STRUCTURE
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
STRUCTURE
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.