1996 Dodge Avenger
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Dodge Avenger is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1996 Dodge Avenger at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1996 Dodge Avenger recalls 3
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1996 Dodge Avenger common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 197 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1996 Dodge Avenger safety ratings
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Dodge Avenger 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1996 Dodge Avenger MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Dodge Avenger costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Dodge Avenger — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT Closed
NHTSA #RQ00015 · Suspension · opened Aug 2000 · closed Apr 2001An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 72
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 72.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Bulletin R2118796A · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
Bulletin 1802002 · Jun 2002SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
Bulletin 1801201 · Equipment · May 2001SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
Bulletin 0801001 · Electrical System · May 2001Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the AVENGER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Dodge Avenger. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower lateral arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication. There is a potential for moisture to leak past the protective boot which can cause the ball stud to corrode. This corrosion, acting much like contamination, can also lead to premature wear and separation of the ball joint. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible cr…
Transport Canada #2001062 · Mar 2001Steering
On certain vehicles, the rubber boot on the lower lateral ball joint could be damaged, allowing the intrusion of dirt and water, leading to extraordinary wear on the ball joint and possible separation. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Lower lateral ball joints will be inspected and if cut or damaged boots are f…
Transport Canada #1999144 · Jul 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is a front-wheel drive, mid-sized sedan that was marketed by Dodge. The Avenger made its North American debut in 1994 for the 1995 model year as a coupe that was produced until 2000. The model name was reintroduced to the market as a four-door sedan in 2007 for the 2008 model year. The Dodge Avenger name was used on the South African market Hillman Avengers in 1975 and 1976.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.