1997 Dodge Avenger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Avenger › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge Avenger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1997 Dodge Avenger. Newest first.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
The headrest guide bracket was improperly welded to the seat back frame on the passenger side seat back assemblies only.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The headrest support bracket can break, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger seat back assembly with a new assembly.
Owner complaints
83 complaints15 involved a crash19 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels
We have continued to have problems with these rims. I am about to retire my third wheel from this car. the wheel looks good, but it just can't hold air due to the rim bending right at the bead or outer rim. the rim in question IS a 17 inch silver rim on the 97 avenger. it bends way too easily.…
We have continued to have problems with these rims. I am about to retire my third wheel from this car. the wheel looks good, but it just can't hold air due to the rim bending right at the bead or outer rim. the rim in question IS a 17 inch silver rim on the 97 avenger. it bends way too easily. this car belonged to my daughter and we started encountering the bent rim's losing air when she was in high school. she initially drove the car only to school and back...8 miles a day. I bought a new rim, only to have another factory rim go bad for the same reason. I suspect I now have a third wheel going bad on me. there needs to be a response to such poor quality sold on new cars. (even though the year sold was 1997). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1997 dodge avenger I bought it brand new it has the 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl engine the head gasket IS leaking on it and I almost ran it out of oil. I have heard that this IS a default head gasket from the manufacture on this type of engine my car has been regularly maintained and has real low mileage since I bought the car brand new miles IS (71,000). *nm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
1997 dodge avenger hood popped up shattering windshield. *ts there was damage from a previous accident that caused the hood to improperly latch down. *jb
- Suspension
1997 dodge avenger ran into a tree after ball joint broke causing the axel to break.***no answer required***. *Mr the accident occurred thirteen months after the ball joint recall was repaired. the consumer was not badly injured but IS on muscle relaxants for whiplash. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the consumer was then told that the ball joints were never replaced just inspected. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
After recall 967 control arm repairs, were done the problem recurred while driving 65 mph. The front left side control arm broke. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. *Ak replaced lower control arm. *bf
- Structure
The consumer experienced a problem with the air bag compartment in the dash. The air bag IS lifting about one inch above the dash . The consumer feels that in case of an accident the air bags will not deploy. owner contacted the manufacturer who says the repair will be the owner's expense. *jb *nm
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Creaking noise from front suspension. Received recall 967 and dealer did not use any parts to correct problem. *bf the dealer stated the parts on the vehicle were not damaged. Prior to the recall notice the consumer had the ball joint replaced on the left side. The consumer tried to get the other ball joint replaced, however the dealer stated the recall had already been performed. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
The headlights of this car are so fogged over (milky) that I can not drive this car at night. In the event that I do drive at night I must use my high beams, but it IS still very difficult to see. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Head gasket blew up in my 1997 dodge avenger..contacted dealership and they revealed they already knew the gasket was in default but were only repairing them as the complaints came in . They refused to do a recall . They installed a so called "new head gasket" but car has never run good since and they have refused to do anymore to it.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlights lens developed a cloudy discoloration that reduced the light illumination. The lens could not be cleaned or replaced because it was a sealed unit. The entire headlight assembly had to be replaced, which was very costly.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer's vehicle was involved in an accident. There were two occupants in the vehicle. Upon impact, airbags in the front did not deploy. Vehicle was moving at 45 mph, and the vehicle went into a ditch. Both occupants suffered head traumas. Consumer contacted chrysler, and was told by the manufacturer in writing that the air bags were not suppose to deploy. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
(1) 1997 dodge avenger was driven (2) left side lower balljoint failed (pulled out of lateral control arm), wheel turned to the left, contactedfender, puller axle out of transmission. this all happened at parking lot speed.*ak (3) car was towed to my house then dodge dealer after I learned of…
(1) 1997 dodge avenger was driven (2) left side lower balljoint failed (pulled out of lateral control arm), wheel turned to the left, contactedfender, puller axle out of transmission. this all happened at parking lot speed.*ak (3) car was towed to my house then dodge dealer after I learned of previous recall issues. dodge gave me an estimate of $1,200 for repairs (that included perhaps free replacement of the lower control arms pending approval from chrysler rep. chrysler rep was a no show and could not commit to a day that he could inspect the car. I repaired the car myself (new left and right lower control arms, a rebuilt axle, and transmission oil. I notified chrysler of the above events. they do not want to pay for the repair parts (napa parts). they offered to take the car back to the dealer and replace the control arms and axle. I already paid for them at napa. I still need to take it for an alignment.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
While driving at 45 mph consumer heard a loud snapping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. also, the front tires were squealing and bouncing severely. consumer lost control of the vehicle, and it rolled into a ditch on the right side. dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension · Wheels
Recuring problems with brake vibration and fast wear, also with suspension repair, was twice quoted for a full replacement of front suspension. Have not done this yet. Major problems with engine electical and check engine light. Have replaced wires and plugs 2-3 time per year. Replaced engine coil…
Recuring problems with brake vibration and fast wear, also with suspension repair, was twice quoted for a full replacement of front suspension. Have not done this yet. Major problems with engine electical and check engine light. Have replaced wires and plugs 2-3 time per year. Replaced engine coil once to fix problem with spark plugs arching and burning up. Problem was solved temporarily. Problem IS back 3 months later. Chugging and sputtering.
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Tires · Unknown or other
I have a 1997 dodge avenger some of my problems I have not fixed I am about to go broke. I have more problems with my tires, brakes, and rotors. The paint IS chipping off my car in spots. My tires wear fast, my airbag IS loose the cover on it. My brakes are awful I have to replace them a lot. I love my car but there IS too many problems....
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Dealership will not honor recall concerning lower and upper ball joints because it was a salvage vehicle. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
ABS brake system failed due to the pump motor, causing loss of braking power. *Ak if the ABS light IS illuminated when the vehicle IS turned off, the light goes off. When he starts the vehicle and the ABS kicks in, the engine would stall. The pump motor was corroded which caused one…
ABS brake system failed due to the pump motor, causing loss of braking power. *Ak if the ABS light IS illuminated when the vehicle IS turned off, the light goes off. When he starts the vehicle and the ABS kicks in, the engine would stall. The pump motor was corroded which caused one or more wheels to lock up. Problem IS unpredictable on dry or wet pavement. Failure occurred in ice or snowy conditions. Consumer noted the ABS feature didn't happen, the brakes locked. Vehicle was repaired seven months later when dodge decided to repair the vehicle for $300. Dollars less due to the approaching winter. Consumer feels the defect IS the manufacturer's fault and wants to be reimbursed for the repair. *ph
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
When I bought this vehicle it had 53,925 miles. I noticed that the headlights had some type of haze (or moisture) inside of them. I went to the local dodge dealer and asked about the problem. they said the lights are a sealed unit and that if I would like to purchase new ones they would be $325…
When I bought this vehicle it had 53,925 miles. I noticed that the headlights had some type of haze (or moisture) inside of them. I went to the local dodge dealer and asked about the problem. they said the lights are a sealed unit and that if I would like to purchase new ones they would be $325 each. the problem with the headlights IS not so much that they are an eye sore, but that they are a safety hazard. the moisture on my headlights never goes away. therefore, affecting the brilliance of the light emitting from the bulb. I have to drive with high-beams on to be able to see the road. this IS not a problem with only my vehicle. I see moisture inside of about 80 percent of the avengers I pass on the road. the coverage over the headlight lenses just gets worse as time goes by. the light emitting from the headlights becomes dimmer and dimmer. with regular beams at night, it IS almost impossible to see everything a driver IS supposed to. these headlights are a big problem with this car. they are a safety hazard that should be taken care of. paying $750 to fix a manufacturers' safety defect IS not reasonable. please look into this. mr
- Air bags
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with a concrete wall at 60 mph impact, and neither air bag deployed. Dealer and manufacturer have not been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*aki
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Consumer states vehicle had a rattle that seemed to extend through the entire vehicle, dealer stated the noise was coming from the brakes, however the consumer declined these repairs, the dealer later found the problem was due to a cracked engine mount, they found a crack on the rear right side and…
Consumer states vehicle had a rattle that seemed to extend through the entire vehicle, dealer stated the noise was coming from the brakes, however the consumer declined these repairs, the dealer later found the problem was due to a cracked engine mount, they found a crack on the rear right side and another on the left front side, consumer had another inspection in which another person stated there were no problems with the brakes or motor mount, the problem was with the lower control arm joints, consumer had recall repairs previously, 00v421002, the independent garage made repairs to the joints and the vehicle IS no longer experiencing any of the problems, consumer IS requesting reimbursement. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Rack and pinion
Consumer was informed by dealership the automatic transmission fluid was leaking.*jb
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
The door hinge on drivers side busted and needs to be welded ,by no fault of mine. I have talked to auto body shops that have had to fix numerous doors on other avengers. I think this should be looked into .i do not think I should have to pay for something that IS clearly a defect.i would like to…
The door hinge on drivers side busted and needs to be welded ,by no fault of mine. I have talked to auto body shops that have had to fix numerous doors on other avengers. I think this should be looked into .i do not think I should have to pay for something that IS clearly a defect.i would like to know where I can file a complaint because I think this IS a real danger when your door on a vehicle does not work properly I will look into this matter more so anything you can do ,please contact me [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Prior to recall 00v421002, consumer had some repair work done to the recall part, however when receiving recall notice, dealership refused to replace the part in question, consumer requests reimbursement for prior work and requests that recall be completed on vehicle. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
A leaking head gasket was confirmed by our local dodge dealership, at which time they volunteered information that "inferior" headgasket material had been used when the vehicle was manufactured. I asked if it had been recalled and was advised that it had not. I was informed that there was no…
A leaking head gasket was confirmed by our local dodge dealership, at which time they volunteered information that "inferior" headgasket material had been used when the vehicle was manufactured. I asked if it had been recalled and was advised that it had not. I was informed that there was no other relief available, as the warranty had long expired. I obtained a quote for repairs from the dealership and several independent shops. because of a significant difference in price, the vehicle was not repaired at the dodge dealership. when the work was completed, I was informed by the independent shop that there was nothing we could have done, in driving the vehicle, to cause the headgasket to fail. they further advised that the replacement gasket, which was purchased from dodge, was totally redesigned. on my return home, I called the daimler chrysler consumer hot line. their representative quickly offered to reimburse the cost of the head gasket materials, but would not reimburse labor costs, as the repairs had not been performed at one of their dealerships. it was of no concern to their hot line representative that one of their own dealerships had advised that no recourse was available to us.*jb
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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 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
- 6088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *Nlm
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088814Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *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.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
- 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.
- 607298This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test.
- 606164Conditions with light knocking noise from the rear shock area.
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