DODGE AVENGER · model year

1996 DODGE AVENGER

235 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1996DODGEAVENGER carries 235 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 3 fires, 24 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1996 AVENGER is suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint with 28 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (15) and suspension:front:control arm (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 1996 AVENGER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

235
Complaints
28
Crashes
3
Fires
24
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

235 filings

Crashes Reported

28 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT28
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION15
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SUSPENSION6
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS6
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC4

Recent Complaints

20160302SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING AND THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL LOWERBALL JOINT BROKE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I CALLED DODGE DEALER.THEY SAID THEY FIX IT ONCE. THEY WON'T DO IT AGAIN. WELL IF THE PROBLEM STILL HAVING THEY NEED TO FIX IT RIGHT. I COULD OF BEEN KILLED. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. NOW I WAS ON THE HWY

Mileage: 19,856

20071121SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT SIDE IS GOING AND I'VE GONE TO DELUCA CHRYSLER IN HAVERHILL MA TWICE AND BOTH TIMES TOLD ME THAT IT WAS ALREADY SERVICED AND WHEN I ASKED HIM WHAT SIDE WAS SERVICED HE COULDN'T ANSWER ME AND I ASKED HIM IF THEY COULD CHECK MY SINCE IT SHOULD STILL BE COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY HE TOLD ME NO AND JUST TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT ANY REPAIR LIKE CONTROL ARMS, TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS AND STRUTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED IN PAIRS AND THEY ONLY REPAIRED THE RIGHT SIDE ON 8/6/02. *TR

Mileage: 89,500

20071004CrashSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE AVENGER. IN 2005, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DIRT HILL. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT HER RESIDENCE. DODGE WANTS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION ON HER VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY ARE ASKING HER TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REFUSES BECAUSE SHE BELIEVES THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 128,000

20061223SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT, AND WITHOUT ANY SIGN OR WARNING MY TIRE SNAPPED OFF MY AXLE! THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE LOCAL DODGE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED SO I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER PLACE THAT ALSO WORKS ON MY CAR WHENEVER I HAVE PROBLEMS. THE PART THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED WAS THE "LOWER ARM CONTROL" ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT DAY, BECAUSE NOT MORE THAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THIS INCIDENT I HAD JUST DRIVEN HOME, APPROX. 10 MILES, ON THE HIGHWAY IN 5 O'CLOCK TRAFFIC!! I DID NOT GET HURT!! I WAS NEVER MAILED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE LOWER ARM CONTROL; NOT EVEN IN 1999 OR 2000!!!!!!!!! I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW FROM DODGE, SO I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN SOMEBODY'S COMPUTER SYSTEM TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE RECALL NOTICES!!!! NOW, THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PART TO BE FIXED OUT OF MY POCKET, HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED? I GOT BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER ARM CONTROLS REPLACED. *NM

Mileage: 143,000

20051121SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

PER TWO SEPARATE RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER, I BROUGHT MY 1996 DODGE AVENGER INTO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS INSPECTED AND RESEALED. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INSPECTED AND BOTH TIMES THEY TOLD ME NO FURTHER WORK WAS NEEDED. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER SAY,IF THE BALL JOINTS ARE NOT DAMAGED OR WORN, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE SEALED. THIS WAS NOT DONE TO MY VEHICLE AND ON 11/21/05 WHILE DRIVING I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER WHEN THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED. *JB

20050324SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

DODGE AVENGER 1996, BALL JOINT AND AXLE BROKE. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN# 99V066003. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONSUMER EXPECTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SC THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL 1 YEAR LATER. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THE RECEIPT WAS NOT TYPED IT WAS HAND WRITTEN. *JB

20050222SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1996 DODGE AVENGER. I RECEIVED THIS CAR FROM MY FATHER. ON FEBRUARY 26 2004 AS I WAS LEAVING WORK, SOMETHING BROKE. UPON HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP, I HAD TO HAVE THE CV SHAFT, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY, REPLACED. THIS COST ME OUT OF POCKET, $629.45. THEN ON 10/1/04 I HAD TO HAVE THE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. WHICH COST ANOTHER $ 325.16. I NOW REALIZE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I ASKED MY FATHER, WHO WAS THE OWNER OF THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, IF HE WAS EVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND HE SAID NO. I AM UPSET NOW TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND I HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I AM ASKING IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO BE REIMBERSED FOR SOME OR ALL OF THE EXPENSE THAT I INCURRED.*AK

Mileage: 121,251

20050222POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1996 DODGE AVENGER. I RECEIVED THIS CAR FROM MY FATHER. ON FEBRUARY 26 2004 AS I WAS LEAVING WORK, SOMETHING BROKE. UPON HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP, I HAD TO HAVE THE CV SHAFT, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY, REPLACED. THIS COST ME OUT OF POCKET, $629.45. THEN ON 10/1/04 I HAD TO HAVE THE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED. WHICH COST ANOTHER $ 325.16. I NOW REALIZE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. I ASKED MY FATHER, WHO WAS THE OWNER OF THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL, IF HE WAS EVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND HE SAID NO. I AM UPSET NOW TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND I HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I AM ASKING IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO BE REIMBERSED FOR SOME OR ALL OF THE EXPENSE THAT I INCURRED.*AK

Mileage: 121,251

20041025EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO SEE DUE TO LENS HAVING A CLOUDY RESIDUE ON THEM. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY, CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR LENS WERE NOT ON RECALL. CONSUMER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR. *AK

20040428ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

REPEATED HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON ENGINE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITIATED AS THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE! AWAITING THIRD REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, TWICE DEALTH WITH TENSIONER AND PULLY PROBLEMS. A DEFECT RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITATED ON THESE PARTS. DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES RESULTING IN EXTREME VISABILITY REDUCTION. A REPLACEMENT RECALL NEEDED ON THESE PARTS. THE ASOG (ADVENGER/SEABRING OWNERS GROUP) INTERNET MEMBERS GROUP REPEATEDLY IDENTIFYING THE ENGINE GASKET PROBLEMS! CRYSLER INITIATED A RECALL CHANGE TO THE DODGE NEON'S, BUT DISCONTINUED THE ADVENDER MODEL WITHOUT RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER PUBLIC WITH THESE THREE MAJOR AREAS OF DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

20040428EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

REPEATED HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON ENGINE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITIATED AS THIS IS A PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE! AWAITING THIRD REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, TWICE DEALTH WITH TENSIONER AND PULLY PROBLEMS. A DEFECT RECALL NEEDS TO BE INITATED ON THESE PARTS. DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES RESULTING IN EXTREME VISABILITY REDUCTION. A REPLACEMENT RECALL NEEDED ON THESE PARTS. THE ASOG (ADVENGER/SEABRING OWNERS GROUP) INTERNET MEMBERS GROUP REPEATEDLY IDENTIFYING THE ENGINE GASKET PROBLEMS! CRYSLER INITIATED A RECALL CHANGE TO THE DODGE NEON'S, BUT DISCONTINUED THE ADVENDER MODEL WITHOUT RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER PUBLIC WITH THESE THREE MAJOR AREAS OF DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

20040422UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY PAINT IS FOGGING, I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP IN GOOD CONDITION BUT TO NO AVAIL! I AM REALLY UPSET OVER THIS!! AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST MY CAR AND THEN I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT OTHER DODGE AVENGERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM!! WHEN MY FRIEND BOUGHT HIS AVENGER AND IT HAD THE SAME FOGGING EFFECT I HAD REACHED THE END OF MY ROPE!!! I WAS INFORMED IT IS GOING TO COST ANYWHERE FROM $500- $1500 TO FIX IT! WHY SHOULD I PAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD CONDITION? PLEASE HELP!!!

20040407SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

I WAS DRIVING ON THE SIDE STREETWHEN MY FRONT WHEEL BENT INWARD AND MY CAR DROPPED TO THE GROUND. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND HE CLAIMED TO FIXED IT. SO ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER, WHILE ON THE EXPRESS WAY GOING ABOUT 65MP MY LT. DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BENT INWARD CAUSING MY TO BE ALL OVER THE ROAD IN RUSH HOUR. BUT SOMEHOW I MANANGED TO CONTROL THE CAR AND NOT HAVE ANY VEHICLE CRASH NOR DAMANGES. IT IS A WOUNDER I AND HERE TO TALK ABOUT IT. STILL FUSSING WITH CARLOT!*AK

20040325CrashSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LOWER LATER ARM BALL JOINT SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WASINVOLVED IN A COLLISION. TTHE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE. THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS WERE INSPECTED TWICE BEFRORE THIS FAILURE, ONCE ON ON 6/5/2001 UNDER NHTSA RECALL# 00V421002. DURING THE INSPECTION THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN FOUND NO PROBLEM AND NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. *JB

Mileage: 130,000

20040206SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH FRONT BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHECK. THEN, CONSUMER MANAGED TO DRIVE HOME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

20040206SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH FRONT BALL JOINTS FAILED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHECK. THEN, CONSUMER MANAGED TO DRIVE HOME. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

20031218CrashSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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 I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME

Mileage: 131,000

20031218CrashSERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR

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 I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME

Mileage: 131,000

20031218CrashSTEERING

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 I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME

Mileage: 131,000

20031218CrashSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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 I-5 SIGN. DODGE DID PAY FOR THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED, BUT NOT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE REVERSING AND WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THEY TOLD ME THIS IS THE BRAKES, BUT ANOTHER MECHANIC SAID THAT IT IS THE LATERAL ARM AGAIN. DODGE IS REFUSING TO PAY TO FIX IT AND WHEN I BROUGHT THEM THE CAR THEY DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE CAR, THEY ONLY TOOK IT ON A TEST DRIVE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERYTIME I HEAR THAT NOISE, MY BACK AND SHOULDER HAVE BEEN IN PAIN AND I HAVE SEEN A SPECIALIST BECAUSE OF THIS. AND TO BE QUITE HONEST I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE MYSELF. ALSO, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTARS ARE WARPED AND THIS IS THE 2ND TIME

Mileage: 131,000

Compare 1996DODGEAVENGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1996 DODGE AVENGER have?
The 1996 DODGE AVENGER has 235 NHTSA complaints, 28 crashes, 3 fires, 24 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 DODGE AVENGER?
The most-complained component for the 1996 DODGE AVENGER is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT with 28 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM.
Is the 1996 DODGE AVENGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.