1999 Dodge Avenger: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 62 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (16% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1999 dodge avenger automatic: wont shift into drive gear-rpms rev up and do not shift in next gear also alarm system -horn, lights all go on for no reason. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2010
“The 1999 dodge avenger was parked outside my work when it burst into flames. Fire department arrived and was able to put the fire out. I was told that it was electrical, no one was injured. My car is now totaled and was told if I would of been driving I would of been killed, the fire was out of control. I filed report with chrysler and was told that it would be investigated; however, they were unable to give me the number of their investigation department for me to follow up on this matter. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2010
“Several 'near' accidents before we were made aware that our 99 dodge avenger rear lighting was not working properly. Tail & brake lights have suddenly stopped working, and (or) stay lit all the time at frequent intervals. Had to have the "activator connections" repaired, batteries constantly being drained/replaced, front fog lighting burned out on 3 separate occasions/replaced. Was told by mechanics that the cars "wiring was pulling more voltage than it should". Had to remove fuses to ac, etc... To prevent batteries from being drained. Repaired again on 10/15/08 and now experiencing same problems with lighting. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge avenger. The contact stated that the plastic head light cover became extremely foggy. The contact had to utilize the high beam lights in order to get proper illumination of the roadway. The contact located NHTSA campaign id number: 09e025000 (exterior lighting: headlights) but was advised that his VIN was not included with the recall. The contact stated the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs of the headlights since this is a known safety defect. The failure mileage was 55,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2008
“I have had to replace at least 5 wheel lugs. Everytime I have my tires taken off for replacement or rotation or to replace my brake pads, etc. A lug will break due to a defect in the way the lugs were originally installed. I have had to pay for these replacements and it isn't cheap. I think because of this problem it should be a recall since it is a defect in the part or how it was installed. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2008
“Have been told that the transmission casing is cracked and leaking transmission oil. This was found during an inspection of the front end, where there was noise when turning steering toward the left. Also, included in defective rim settlement class action matter. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 mph through an intersection, the vehicle was involved in an accident and the airbags did not deploy. The airbag light was not illuminated prior to the collision and a police report was taken. The vehicle was deemed totaled and therefore was not taken to a service dealer. An auto body shop and the police officer expressed the airbags should have went off and the contact was injured in the crash.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was excessive play in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop who determined the front lower ball joints had separated and needed replaced. The manufacturer was alerted and explained for the contact to call the NHTSA regarding the issue. *nm updated 6/30/2006 - *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2006
“The manufacturer refused to honor the lower ball joint recall 00v421000 due to their data base, the recall was already performed six months after the consumer bought the vehicle. The consumer never took the vehicle in for a recall because she was never notified. *jb records indicated that there was no owner. *sc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2005
“The consumer experienced sudden acceleration. The vehicle suddenly accelerated from 800 rpm's to 4500 rpm's within seconds. The consumer had both feet on the brakes, but the vehicle kept going. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer and had the input/output sensor replaced. However, the sudden acceleration recurred. Provide further details. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 1999 Dodge Avenger reliable?
NHTSA has 62 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Dodge Avenger. The most complained-about area is suspension (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Avenger problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,100 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Dodge Avenger have open recalls?
5 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.