RoadVitals

2000 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.
22
Latest Aug 30, 2005
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.
5
Latest May 11, 2009
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.
0
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Dodge Avenger, most frequently naming the brakes, transmission and suspension categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 24 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

  • Brakes522.7%
  • Transmission522.7%
  • Suspension418.2%
  • Other / unspecified29.1%
  • Powertrain (other)14.5%
  • Body & structure14.5%
  • Visibility14.5%
  • Heating & air conditioning14.5%

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

5 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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Heating & air conditioning
Filed Aug 30, 2005

2000 DODGE AVENGER ES. AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR BLEW OUT. $1200 REPAIR BILL. MY MECHANIC SAID THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING. *JB

NHTSA ID
10134806
Incident
Jul 1, 2005
Filed Apr 23, 2005

THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF THE CAR. APPEARS THAT THE WIND FROM GOING DOWN THE ROAD IS KNOCKING THE PAINT OFF. OR MAYBE THE SUN HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. THE ENTIRE TOP NEEDS RE-PAINTED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10118309
Incident
Apr 23, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Aug 21, 2004

SENSOR IN TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT COMPLETELY LOST SPEED. I EXITED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER THAT, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. IT WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. THAT WAS AT AROUND 20000 MILES. TODAY, AT AROUND 42000 MILES, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR AND COULD FEEL THE TRANSMISSION BEGINNING TO SLIP. I STARTED INCREASING SPEED, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE RPM'S WERE JUST CONTINUING TO GO UP. I HAVE SENT THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED FOR THE SECOND TIME UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ID
10088334
Incident
Aug 21, 2004
Mileage
42,331 mi
Filed Jan 15, 2004

SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE BY THE DEALER, AND 10 DAYS LATER FLEW APART. THAT BELT WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BE ANOTHER DODGE DEALER, BUT THREE MONTHS LATER CAME OFF, BUT DID NOT BREAK. IT IS NOW THREE MONTHS LATER, AND THE BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF FRAYING.

NHTSA ID
10071290
Incident
Nov 15, 2003
Mileage
56,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2004

I WAS GETTING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY RPMS WOULD NOT DROP BELOW 5000 AND I REALIZED MY CAR LOCKED IN 2ND GEAR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE A694/41TE TRANSMISSION THAT CHYSLER MADE.

NHTSA ID
10069478
Incident
Oct 15, 2003
Mileage
85,000 mi
Filed Dec 18, 2003

I LOVE MY CAR. I BOUGHT THE CAR WHEN IT HAD 40 THOUSAND MILES ON IT, IN SEPT 2002. IN THE MONTH OF AUG. 2003 I CAME BACK HOME FROM IRAQ AFTER 7 MONTHS AND FOUND THAT MOST OF THE CLEARCOAT ON MY BLACK AVENGER ON THE TOP PANELS (HOOD, TOP, TRUNK) OF MY CAR WAS GONE. WHEN I LEFT THERE WAS ONLY A FEW SURFACE SCRATCHES ON THE CAR, THAT USUALLY BUFFED OUT. NOW MY CAR LOOKS LIKE ?!@#$% AND THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP ME OR THE MANUFACTURE. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE BLACK PAINT JOBS IN 2000, BUT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE I'VE SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM. I LOVE DODGE BUT THIS IS THE LAST ONE ME OR ANYBODY IN MY FAMILY WILL EVER PURCHASE IF I DON'T GET SOME KIND OF HELP WITH THIS DEFECT. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS 25 YEARS OLD. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I ONLY DROVE THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS BEFORE I DEPLOYED. IF THIS IS NOT A DEFECT THEN THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A CAR THAT HAD BEEN IN A WRECK OR SOMETHING AND LIED TO ME. *AK

NHTSA ID
10050749
Incident
Aug 26, 2002
Transmission
Filed Oct 10, 2003

I WAS GETTING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN I NOTICED MY RPM WERE AROUND 5000 AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN. I REALIZED THE TRANSMISSION HAD LOCKED IN SECOND GEAR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE JUNK A604/41TE TRANSMISSION THAT CHRYSLER MADE. *LA

NHTSA ID
10041580
Incident
Oct 9, 2003
Mileage
85,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jun 10, 2003

WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 11/01. I WAS INFORMED BY A DODGE TECH THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO GO "OUT" AROUND 50,000 MILES. I HAVE HEARD THIS FROM NUMEROUS DODGE OWNERS AND MECHANICS. AT 52,874 THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SHIFTING AND WE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR ACCORDING TO THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE CAR. THE CONTRACT WAS WITH AN OUTSIDE COMPANY. THE CONTRACT COMPANY WHEN CALLED ABOUT REPAIRS ALSO STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DODGE/CHRYSLER PRODUCTS. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 2 WEEKS AWAITING PARTS AND REPAIR.*AK

NHTSA ID
10021374
Incident
May 29, 2003
Mileage
52,874 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

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.

31-005-19

EQUIPMENT; 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.

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.

3100619

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

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

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
2000Viewing225045.4
1999625053.3
1998586057.5
1997836055.8
19961573158.3
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.