1996 Dodge Avenger
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 196 |
| 1996 | 157 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 831 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 209 |
| 2012 | 553 |
| 2013 | 547 |
| 2014 | 204 |
| 2015 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: suspension — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031218
10% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 99V066003 — check if this car was fixed
LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT
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 ADD
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 JOIN
Campaign 00V421002 — check if this car was fixed
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 PRE
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.
Campaign 07E055000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Dodge Avenger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V066003 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V421002 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E055000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Dodge Avenger reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge Avenger is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Avenger have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.