NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints for the 1996 Dodge Avenger. Most complaints involve suspension (55) and engine and engine cooling (25). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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”
“MY SON DIED IN DEC 12,2002 IN A 1996 DODGE STEALTH TWO DAYS AFTER HE DIED I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. CAR LOST CONTROL ON FREEWAY AND WENT OFF ROAD AND ROLLED. HE JUST PUT A TRANSMISSION AND REPLACED CLUTCH, AND PUT IN NEW ENGINE THROUGH TRACY DODGE IN TRACY, CA. *TR”
“SINCE CONSUMER HAS OWNED VEHICLE HE HAS HAD TO HAVE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED NO LESS THAN TWENTY (20) TIMES DUE TO WARPING. WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP AND DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK CONSUMER HAD BEEN TOLD THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *SLC”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (55), engine and engine cooling (25), service brakes, hydraulic (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Dodge Avenger at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).