Is the 1998 Dodge Avenger reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge Avenger is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Avenger?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Avenger have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 Dodge Avenger

▲ Better than typical

1998 Dodge Avenger
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:19.907Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 58
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

1998: 58 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

31% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

CRASH

Air bags

14% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was rear ended, and none of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-17

Thank you very much for your site. Thanks to your information we now know that our car was subject to a recall that evidently caused an accident. We have never been notified of a recall and are very much concerned about the air bags not actuating.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-12-26

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Service brakes

12% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Wheels

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing rim.

Latches/locks/linkages

7% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing latch.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1998-04-08Vehicle speed control98V045002 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.

Remedy: Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Dodge Avenger — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 18 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 98V045002 · Vehicle speed control
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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Dodge Avenger reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge Avenger is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Avenger?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.