Complaints
235
Crashes
28
Fires
3
Injuries
24
Fatalities
1
Recalls
0
Worst 1996 Dodge Avenger Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#128 complaints
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
Avg mileage:130,292 mi
Crash-related:3
#215 complaints
Automatic Transmission
Crash-related:2
#312 complaints
Suspension:Front:Control Arm
Avg mileage:160,250 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1996 Dodge Avenger.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint | 28 | 3 | — | 130,292 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | 12 | 1 | — | 160,250 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 10 | — | — | 78,000 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 9 | 9 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | 19,856 mi | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Ball Joint | 6 | — | — | 160,250 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Rotor | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Arm | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Module | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Manual Transmission | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belts:Front:Retractor | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Pads | 2 | — | — | — |
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
28
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
130,292
Automatic Transmission
15
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm
12
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
160,250
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
11
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
10
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
78,000
Air Bags:Frontal
9
complaints
Crashes
9
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
19,856
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Ball Joint
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
160,250
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Horn
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Rotor
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Body:Door
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Arm
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Manual Transmission
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Pads
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge Avenger. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Dodge Avenger Years
1996 Dodge Avenger — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 1996 Dodge Avenger reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1996 Dodge Avenger has 235 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint with 28 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
Top reported problems: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint (28 complaints, avg 130,292 mi); Automatic Transmission (15 complaints); Suspension:Front:Control Arm (12 complaints, avg 160,250 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 119,868 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA complaints for the 1996 Dodge Avenger include 28 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 24 injuries, and 1 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1996 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1996 Dodge Avenger as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1996 Dodge Avenger?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Avenger reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1996 Dodge Avenger
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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