VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Dodge Avenger sits mid-pack among Avenger years: 235 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 235, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 67 reports (28% of the total).

235

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

28

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

24

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1,238 complaints1995: 254 complaints1996: 235 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 72 complaints1999: 96 complaints2000: 33 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1,238 complaints2009: 99 complaints2010: 248 complaints2011: 311 complaints2012: 837 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 329 complaints2015: 1 complaints
Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension6729%
Brakes3214%
Engine2711%
Transmission229%
Electrical System177%
Airbags115%
Seat Belts104%
Steering83%
Lighting83%
Speed Control83%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Body & Structure52%
Other42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Seats31%
Fuel System10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1996 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E055000Fuel SystemJuly 26, 2007 · 222 units

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.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

00V421002SuspensionDecember 18, 2000 · 393,796 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

99V066003SuspensionApril 5, 1999 · 165,857 units

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #00V421002. CONTACTED AND THEN VISITED DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC INSPECTED VEHICLE AND PROVIDED A SHEET OF PAPER, INDICATING NOTHING WRONG. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OFF. TWO MONTHS LATER, VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BALL JOINT CAUSING ARM AND AXLE TO BREAK.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 20, 2001 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 15, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 9, 2002

“FAILURE ON THE TRANSMISSION, FOUR TIMES VEHICLE WAS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR/ 3 TIMES VEHICLE ROLLED IN PARK, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 14, 1996 · crash

“CAR HORN FAILS TO WORK WHEN COLD TEMPS OUTSIDE AND ENGINE COLD. LEFT BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL NEVER WORKS AND RIGHT BUTTON ONLY WORKS WHEN CAR IS WARM. I GOT HIT IN A PARKING LOT (LUCKILY LOW SPEED) AND I COULDN'T WARN THE OTHER DRIVER WHO DIDN'T SEE ME BECAUSE THE HORN WOULDN'T BLOW. THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2000 · crash

1996 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Avenger reliable?

It is close to typical for the Avenger: 235 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1996 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (67 complaints), brakes (32 complaints), engine (27 complaints).

Does the 1996 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Dodge Avenger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Avenger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avenger years to avoid are 2008, 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among Avenger years belongs to 2015.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.