NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 62 owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Avenger. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (15) and suspension (13). 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.
“I HAVE A 1999 DODGE AVENGER. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2004 AND I HAD THE HEADS DONE ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP IN 2005 AND IS STILL GIVING ME PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES IT WON'T CHANGE INTO SECOND UNTIL I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. THE O2 SENSORS KEEP GOING OUT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS COMING ON. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THIS CAR NOR CAN I AFFORD A NEW CAR. THE BRAKES KEEP WEARING OUT. I AM HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS OUT THIS CAR THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS ARE OUT. THE HALF SHAFT IS MESSED UP AGAIN. I NEED SO HELP WITH SOME OF THIS REPAIRS. CHRYSLER AND DODGE KNEW THESE CARS WEREN'T MADE RIGHT NOW THEY NEED TO HELP THOSE OF US WHO HAVE THEM. *TR”
“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”
“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”
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 | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · 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 |
5 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 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (15), suspension (13), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Dodge Avenger at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).