1997 Dodge Avenger: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 83 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2006
“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”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 2005
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2005
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2004
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2004
“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”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2004
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
“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).”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2002
“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....”Owner report · Steering · May 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Avenger by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Avenger reliable?
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Dodge Avenger. The most complained-about area is suspension (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Avenger problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 94,500 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Dodge Avenger have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.