RoadVitals

1996 Dodge Avenger

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
157
Latest Mar 2, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jul 26, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
22
14 injuries, 1 deaths reported

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 26, 2007
222 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLIES, P/N E7081H, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WALL OF THE FLARED FITTING OF THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT THICK ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AIRTEX AUTOMOTIVE AT 800-880-3056.
AIRTEX PRODUCTSManufacturer number FP072007-1View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Dec 18, 2000
393,796 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 967View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Apr 5, 1999
165,857 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 827View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ00015ClosedRecall Query

LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT

Opened Aug 2, 2000
Closed Apr 20, 2001

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 00V421001

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2016

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
Suspension
Filed Nov 21, 2007

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
Suspension
Filed Oct 4, 2007
Crash reported

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
Suspension
Filed Dec 23, 2006

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
Suspension
Filed Nov 21, 2005

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
Suspension
Filed Mar 8, 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
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Feb 22, 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
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 25, 2004

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.

08-049-20

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.

3100319

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.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

31-003-19

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.

31-006-19

STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

3100519

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

Dodge Avenger by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016000
2015100
20142051148.8
20135485156.7
20125533153.6
20112093255.5
20101633053.4
2009672046.3
20088316155.2
2007241
2000225045.4
1999625053.3
1998586057.5
1997836055.8
1996Viewing1573158.3
19951963362.0

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.