1996 Dodge Avenger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Dodge Avenger: 2 recalls, 157 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V066003 · 1999 · 165,857 vehicles
What's wrong: If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rubber boots, and if the boot is damaged, they will replace the lower lateral arm and ball joint on the affected vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #00V421002 · 2000 · 393,796 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.
The fix: 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 joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E055000 · 2007 · 222 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 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.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (59): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), steering problems (3).
- Engine & cooling (24): the most common themes are leaks (7), stalls / loses power (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), brake failure / soft pedal (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1996 Dodge Avenger has 157 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 15 Avenger model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 211). Complaints peaked in 1999 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 128,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (196 complaints, 2 recalls), 1997 (83 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Dodge Avenger.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Dodge Avenger, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Dodge Avenger problems?
Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (59), engine & cooling (24), brakes (hydraulic) (22).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Dodge Avenger get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Dodge Avenger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.