RoadVitals

1996 Dodge Avenger Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Dodge Avenger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 2, 2016

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 · filed Nov 21, 2007
All 59 reports naming suspension

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN THE AM ON 9/15/03 ON THE FREEWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH, LATERAL ARM BROKE OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR, CAUSING THE LEFT TIRE TO PUSH UPWARDS INTO THE FENDER AND THE AXLE TO SNAP IN HALF. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AT 40 MPH TO GET IT TO STOP SO I WOULD NOT HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER OR THE I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE 3 1/2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I THINK THAT IS A BIT MUCH.*AK

NHTSA ID 10050711 · filed Dec 18, 2003

SINCE CONSUMER HAS OWNED VEHICLE HE HAS HAD TO HAVE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED NO LESS THAN TWENTY (20) TIMES DUE TO WARPING. WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP AND DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK CONSUMER HAD BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *SLC

NHTSA ID 889640 · filed Jun 4, 2001
All 25 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REPEATED HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON ENGINE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITIATED AS THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE! AWAITING THIRD REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, TWICE DEALTH WITH TENSIONER AND PULLY PROBLEMS. A DEFECT RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITATED ON THESE PARTS. DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES RESULTING IN EXTREME VISABILITY REDUCTION. A REPLACEMENT RECALL NEEDED ON THESE PARTS. THE ASOG (ADVENGER/SEABRING OWNERS GROUP) INTERNET MEMBERS GROUP REPEATEDLY IDENTIFYING THE ENGINE GASKET PROBLEMS! CRYSLER INITIATED A RECALL CHANGE TO THE DODGE NEON'S, BUT DISCONTINUED THE ADVENDER MODEL WITHOUT RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER PUBLIC WITH THESE THREE MAJOR AREAS OF DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ID 10067976 · filed Apr 28, 2004

AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING AND AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL STALL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES VEHICLE CAN BE RESTARTED AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10037792 · filed Aug 27, 2003
All 24 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON THE TRANSMISSION THE SEAL FOR THE FRONT SHAFT IS LEAKING,ALSO THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING WHICH IS MADE OUT OF PAPER AND DISOLVED WHICH NOW NEEDS REPLACED THE INPUT AND OUTPUT SENSORS ARE ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT I HAVE TWO OF THESE CARS AND FIND IT APPAULING THAT BOTH ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. NLM

NHTSA ID 767188 · filed Sep 15, 2002

TRANSAXLE LOCKED UP. *AK

NHTSA ID 760136 · filed Apr 2, 2002
All 19 reports naming transmission

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE HAS OVERHEATED SIX TIMES ALREADY BECAUSE THERE WAS A SHORT IN WIRES. ALSO, THERMOSTAT HAS GONE OUT SIX TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ID 8014412 · filed Jul 22, 2002

THIS IS A CONCERN. I HAD MY DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATE WHY THE HORN DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK AND THE RESPONSE WAS THAT SINCE IT IS TIED TO THE DRIVER AIRBAG IT WOULD COST BIG DOLLARS TO FIX. I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT AND WAS UNABLE TO WARN THE OTHER DRIVER THAT THEY WERE ABOUT TO BACK INTO ME. IT IS WORSE IN COLDER WEATHER. THE LACK OF A WORKING HORN IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT. IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM FOR A LONG TIME AND THIS IS MY 2ND COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA.*AK

NHTSA ID 747582 · filed Jun 29, 2001
All 12 reports naming electrical

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT FITS TOO, TIGHT THERE IS NO SLACK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR

NHTSA ID 8020294 · filed Oct 7, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVIERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS NO SLACK IN THE SEATBELT TO MOVE. NLM

NHTSA ID 8020155 · filed Oct 3, 2002
All 11 reports naming seat belts

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THAT NONE OF THE VEHICLE SEATBELTS WILL STAY FASTENED. CONSUMER FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

NHTSA ID 8020595 · filed Oct 10, 2002

WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE TOTALLED.*AK

NHTSA ID 8014228 · filed Jul 18, 2002
All 10 reports naming airbags

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 25, 2004

REPEATED HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON ENGINE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITIATED AS THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE! AWAITING THIRD REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, TWICE DEALTH WITH TENSIONER AND PULLY PROBLEMS. A DEFECT RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITATED ON THESE PARTS. DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES RESULTING IN EXTREME VISABILITY REDUCTION. A REPLACEMENT RECALL NEEDED ON THESE PARTS. THE ASOG (ADVENGER/SEABRING OWNERS GROUP) INTERNET MEMBERS GROUP REPEATEDLY IDENTIFYING THE ENGINE GASKET PROBLEMS! CRYSLER INITIATED A RECALL CHANGE TO THE DODGE NEON'S, BUT DISCONTINUED THE ADVENDER MODEL WITHOUT RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER PUBLIC WITH THESE THREE MAJOR AREAS OF DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ID 10067976 · filed Apr 28, 2004
All 8 reports naming exterior lighting

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHENEVER MAKING A TURN AND TRYING TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP, FAST IDLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 884453 · filed Mar 28, 2001

ALSO PROBLEM WITH THROTTLE BODY. ALL FAILURES HAPPENED AFTER 9800 MILES. WAS TOLD AT 30,000 MILE CHECKUP THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK, BUT OBVIOUSLY IT WASN'T. *AK

NHTSA ID 706685 · filed May 20, 1999
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN THE AM ON 9/15/03 ON THE FREEWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH, LATERAL ARM BROKE OFF ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR, CAUSING THE LEFT TIRE TO PUSH UPWARDS INTO THE FENDER AND THE AXLE TO SNAP IN HALF. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AT 40 MPH TO GET IT TO STOP SO I WOULD NOT HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER OR THE I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE 3 1/2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I THINK THAT IS A BIT MUCH.*AK

NHTSA ID 10050711 · filed Dec 18, 2003

FRONT INNER TIE ROD/ FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS,AND SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HE JUST PURCHASED MALFUNCTIONED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

NHTSA ID 883550 · filed Mar 20, 2001
All 8 reports naming steering

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALL OF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS (99V-066), LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS (4-AUG-00) LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM WHEN THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT, THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. NLM

NHTSA ID 561575 · filed Jun 13, 2001

PLEASE IF ANYONE IS HAVING THIS TROUBLE WITH THERE CAR EMAIL ME AT [email protected] THANKS NEED EVERYONE THAT IS HAVING TROUBLE

NHTSA ID 713881 · filed Oct 26, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN OPENING DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WITHOUT ANY FORCE.CONTACTED DEALER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 8015409 · filed Aug 2, 2002

BOTTOM HINGE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR RUSTED , CAUSING THE DOOR TO DROP DOWN. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 865268 · filed Jul 12, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PLEASE IF ANYONE IS HAVING THIS TROUBLE WITH THERE CAR EMAIL ME AT [email protected] THANKS NEED EVERYONE THAT IS HAVING TROUBLE

NHTSA ID 713881 · filed Oct 26, 1999

GLOVE BOX DOOR FAILED.

NHTSA ID 543627 · filed Feb 1, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE CAME OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10011960 · filed Mar 18, 2003

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WOBBLED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10011420 · filed Mar 11, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 22, 2005

FRONT INNER TIE ROD/ FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS,AND SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HE JUST PURCHASED MALFUNCTIONED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

NHTSA ID 883550 · filed Mar 20, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD TO HAVE MY FUEL PUMP REPLACED AT ONLY 53,000 MILES. THEN NOT EVEN A WEEK LATER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I TOOK IT TO THE SAME DODGE DEALERSHIP COUNTRYSIDE MOTORS IN LAWRENCEBURG, KY 40342. AFTER REPLACING MY FUEL PUMP, NOW I NEEDED A NEW DOWN STREAM OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED. WAS IT THE SENSOR THE WHOLE TIME? WITH ONLY 53,000 MILES ON MY CAR I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE I NEEDED BOTH!!!

NHTSA ID 716543 · filed Dec 28, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

UPON RECEIPT IF RECALL 99V066, BALL JOINT BALL JOINT FAILURE ,THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. AFTER THAT INSPECTION ,THE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALER. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID 848125 · filed Sep 20, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .