NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 58 owner complaints for the 1998 Dodge Avenger. Most complaints involve suspension (17) and air bags (8). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE 2010, BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED AND THE TIRE BEGAN TO LEAN. AFTER HAVING THE DRIVER SIDE REPAIRED, THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SPIN AROUND AND END UP FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 00V421002 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT HAD NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *TT”
“DT: WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THERE WAS A SURGING EFFECT AS IF THE BRAKES WERE PULSATING. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE ROTORS WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR CONFIRMATION OF THE WARPED ROTORS. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THESE WERE ACTUAL CHRYSLER PARTS OR AFTER MARKET REPLACEMENTS. AFTER THE REPAIRS THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE CONTACT'S FATHER CONSULTED A SERVICE CENTER THAT NOTED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. NO FURTHER REPAIRS. THE BRAKES DID STOP THE CAR BUT THERE WAS A ROCKING MOTION AS IF IT WAS IN A CATCHING AND RELEASING FASHION. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS. ALSO, THE CONTACT ADDED THAT THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL O0V421002 CONCERNING THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FOR WHICH THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE E A FAILURE, BUT SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS DONE A COUPLE YEARS AGO THERE HAVE BEEN A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. LAST WEEK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ,WHO DETERMINED THE BALL JOINTS WERE FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHRYSLER DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN A STRUT OR A SWAY…”
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, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Avenger Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 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 |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (17), air bags (8), service brakes, hydraulic (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Dodge Avenger at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).