1996 Dodge Avenger: common problems and reliability
197 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about suspension. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1996 Avenger?The 1996 Dodge Avenger has 197 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and service brakes.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Dodge Avenger vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Avenger?
Across the 13 Avenger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2007) to 844 (2008). With 197 complaints, the 1996 Avenger sits above the model's median of 163.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Avenger
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 07E055000CERTAIN 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 PREVENT THE MATING THREADED FITTINGS FROM BOTTOMING OUT BEFORE AN ADEQUATE SEAL IS ACHIEVED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION OF THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 00V421002VEHICLE 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 ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 99V066003VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Avenger. See the full Avenger owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Avenger listings typically run $5,990–$7,397 across 2008 to 2014 model years.
Other Avenger model years
Compare every Avenger year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Avenger against its rivals
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