1996 Dodge Avenger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Avenger › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Dodge Avenger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Dodge Avenger. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
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.
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 added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
157 complaints19 involved a crash3 involved a fire14 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
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
- Suspension › 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…
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
- Suspension › 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…
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.
- Suspension › 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…
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
- Suspension › 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…
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
- Suspension › 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
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Suspension › 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.…
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
- Exterior 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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Exterior 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…
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.
- Unknown 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…
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!!!
- Suspension › 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…
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
- Suspension › 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…
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
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › 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
- Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor · Steering · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm · Suspension › 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…
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 that they have been replaced in the 3 1/2 years I have owned the vehicle. I think that IS a bit much.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
The car (1996 dodge avenger ES) was in to the dealer for service. the dealer called to inform me that the lower ball joints were ready to fall off the car and needed replaced at a cost of $260. I asked if this was the same ball joint that was covered in an earlier recall. after a long pause, the…
The car (1996 dodge avenger ES) was in to the dealer for service. the dealer called to inform me that the lower ball joints were ready to fall off the car and needed replaced at a cost of $260. I asked if this was the same ball joint that was covered in an earlier recall. after a long pause, the dealer confirmed that it was, and that they would take care of it (fix at no cost to me). a second service appointment was scheduled for a week later. the car went in, and the dealer replaced the lower control arms. when I picked the car up, I drove off the lot and immediately heard a clanking noise when ever I hit a bump with the right front wheel. I inspected the car myself and found a large crack in the frame around the front-most upper control arm mounting bolt on the right front strut tower. I took the car back to the dealer and the service writer remarked boy, that IS the largest crack I've ever seen. you shouldnt drive that car because the wheel could fall off. I suppose the ball joints being bad and hammering the suspension caused that [frame] to crack. however, the service writer had no answer when asked how they missed the crack during the work on the lower control arm the day before. after several calls to the service department, the dealership general manager, and to the dodge customer service phone number; no one at dodge would formally acknowledge that the defective ball joints caused the stress crack or that a problem existed with the upper control arm; despite multiple complaints on the nhtsa website for sebrings and avengers with very similar problems. I have digital pictures of the crack if anyone IS interested. it has since been fixed for the safety of my wife and children, however I am very displeased with how it was handled by dodge and the dealer. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
At any given time while driving and at any speed vehicle will stall. after a few minutes vehicle can be restarted as if nothing happened.*ak
- Suspension
Nhtsa#99-v-066-003 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. Consumer has the same problem. However this vehicle was not unde rrecall due to the vin. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
My 1996 dodge avenger ES V-6 has severely pitted headlamp lenses which seriously reduces the effectiveness of the headlamps for night driving and I believe IS dangerous. I've experienced this in other cars I've owned, but not nearly to the degree with this dodge. The lenses look cloudy. *jb
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
After the recall for the ball joints 99 v 066 000 was complete the ball joint failed and damaged other components. *nlm
- Wheels
While driving and without warning the front right tire came off. Dealer notified. *nlm
- Wheels
The right rear wheel wobbled from left to right. *jb
- Unknown or other
My daughter, michelle owned a 1996 dodge avenger ES which she lost her life in. On october 6, 2001 she had an accident which the car burst into flames and exploded. It was in for recalls within the previous year for the lower lateral ball joint. On october 2000, her front end of her car fell to the…
My daughter, michelle owned a 1996 dodge avenger ES which she lost her life in. On october 6, 2001 she had an accident which the car burst into flames and exploded. It was in for recalls within the previous year for the lower lateral ball joint. On october 2000, her front end of her car fell to the ground, which we reported to you and to daimen chrysler. Daimen chrysler paid for the repairs to her car. Now her car explodes and bursts into flames killing her. She did not die from the injuries of the accident, she died from the fumes and fire. We want to know since there are reports of other daimen chrysler autos that have been in the news as to catching on fire we want it on record that her car also caught on fire. We would like to report this and to possibly save someone elses life. We want to know if the auto manufacturer held information on other makes and models that they were investigating from the consumers for recalls. The accident does not explain why the car burst in flames immediately.
- Unknown or other
No summary. dt
- Air bags
Consumer states that none of the vehicle seatbelts will stay fastened. consumer feels unsafe driving. please provide any further information. mr
- Seat belts › Front
Consumer states that the passenger side seatbelt fits too, tight there IS no slack. please provide any further information. *mr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Lower contrtol arm ball joint
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089137Customer may complain of popping/knocking noise in engine compartment. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088938Concerns with power steering belt alignment. *Nlm
- 6088896Concerns with obdii readiness code retention, frderal packages. *Nlm
- 6088888Concerns on erroneous mi; illumination with hex codes $6A, erroneous pcm resets, shift cycling, cold engine stumble. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088801Information regarding garage door opener. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject regarding generic scan tool (gst), publication no. 81-170-00008 provided with this technical service bulletin to provide reference information when using generic scan tool on obdii vehicles.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 616720Information on new components and a repair procedure developed to replace failed seat slide motors.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 610000Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the door ajar warning light and dome light may work intermittently or may become inoperative.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607959This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 607916Technical service bulletin regarding multi-layer steel (mls) head gasket installation procedures.
- 607914Information regarding 2.5L V-6 head gasket application.
- 605014Conditions with intermittent loss of speed control.
- 604970Vehicles exhibiting front coil spring creaking, popping, or squeaking.
- 604696Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 604364Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs)
- 604311Procedures on aligning the power steering belt.
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