1997 Dodge Avenger
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
12% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE FRONT TIRES WERE SQUEALING AND BOUNCING SEVERELY. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT ROLLED INTO A DITCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040507
12% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A CONCRETE WALL AT 60 MPH IMPACT, AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AKI
NHTSA ODI report, 20020909
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT NIGHT ON LEFT CURVE IN ROAD, ACCIDENT OCCURRED, NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER CONTACTED, STATED THE IMPACT WAS UNDERNEATH DAMAGE AND AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. POLICE REPORT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980821
LEFT INTERSTATE AND ENTERING ROADWAY WHEN CONSUMER BEGAN TO BRAKE AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. REAR ENDED A 18-WHEELER. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STOPPED, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER AND SON WERE INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980505
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: wheels — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THESE RIMS. I AM ABOUT TO RETIRE MY THIRD WHEEL FROM THIS CAR. THE WHEEL LOOKS GOOD, BUT IT JUST CAN'T HOLD AIR DUE TO THE RIM BENDING RIGHT AT THE BEAD OR OUTER RIM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120424
5% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
THE HEADREST GUIDE BRACKET WAS IMPROPERLY WELDED TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES ONLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 97V081002 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Dodge Avenger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V081002 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V421002 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E055000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Dodge Avenger reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge Avenger is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Avenger?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Avenger have?
6 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.