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
- 83
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 83 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 196 |
| 1996 | 157 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 58 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 832 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 209 |
| 2012 | 554 |
| 2013 | 548 |
| 2014 | 205 |
| 2015 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
28% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing lower ball joint and upper ball joint.
Show 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, 2004-05-07
Service brakes
22% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Air bags
16% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
No summary listed for above vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-11
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09
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, 1998-08-21
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Wheels
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs and rim.
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, 2012-04-24
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1997-07-31Seats97V081002 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.
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2001-05-21Suspension00V421002 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…
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…
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2007-11-19Fuel system, gasoline07E055000 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…
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.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…
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.
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Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Dodge Avenger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 97V081002 · Seats
- Recall 00V421002 · Suspension
- Recall 07E055000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Avenger have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.