1998 DODGE Avenger Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

13 complaints

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.

Jan 12, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SNAP AND THE SUSPENSION TO HIT THE TIRE AND THE FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 01/14/11*LJ

Nov 23, 2010

DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL 00V421002 FIVE YEARS AGO. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BALL JOINTS. THE BALL JOINTS WERE MAKING AN INTERMITTENT CLUNG AT THAT TIME. THE PROBLEM GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE CONTACT STATES IT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHEEL WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON OCTOBER 19, 2005. THEY STATED THERE WAS EXCESSIVE WEAR ON LOWER BALL JOINTS, AND THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED SOON. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AT TWO OTHER PLACES ,AND THEY STATED THE SAME THING. WHEN SHE CALLED CHRYSLER, THEY INSISTED THAT THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO DO THE WORK. CHRYSLER THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THE RECALL WAS ON THE BOOT THAT COVERED THE BALL JOINT AND IT WAS NOT SEALED PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE BOOT WAS NOT DAMAGED, IT WAS JUST THE BALL JOINT. *AK

Oct 20, 2005

DT: 1998 DODGE ADVENTURE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE FOR A STATE INSPECTION WHICH APPROVED THE VEHICLE. TWENTY DAYS LATER ON 7-26-05 THE BALL JOINT FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE, AND THEN CONSUMER5 LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT HIT A ROAD SIGN AND RAN THROUGH ANOTHER . THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HOME. CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER STATE CERTIFIED INSPECTION MECHANIC LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, AND THEY TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO WAY IT SHOULD HAVE PASSED INSPECTION. WHEN HE CONTACTED THE DIAMLER/CHRYSLER MANUFACTURER, THEY SAID WOULD SEND SOMEONE OUT TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, THIS WAS ON 8-1-05. A POLICE REPORT WAS ISSUED. *AK

Aug 01, 2005

Crash: 1

RECALL TO INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE LATERAL LINK TWICE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE. *NM

Jul 23, 2004

+ 8 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *JB

Mar 17, 2003

Crash: 1

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

Nov 08, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON A SIDE STREET, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHOSE DRIVER WAS DRUNK, RAN THE STOP SIGN AND REARENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT,BOTH SIDE AIRGBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Aug 16, 2001

Crash: 1

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND DRIVER IN CAR IN FRONT JAMMED ON HIS BRAKES. CONSUMER DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO STOP, AND RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF.*AK

Jun 29, 2000

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 45MPH CONSUMER HIT A POLE HEAD-ON, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,WEATHER WAS CLEAR.DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Sep 14, 1999

Crash: 1

+ 1 more complaint for this component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

TRANSMISSION JUMPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN EVER IT FEELS LIKE IT CAUSING THE FRONT TIRES TO LOCK UP AND THE PASSENGERS TO BE TOSSED AROUND . IT WILL CONTINULLY DO THIS UNTIL I STOP THE CAR THEN ITS FINE FOR A MINUTE THEN IT DOES IT AGAIN . NO MATTER WHAT I DO IT KEEPS HAPPENING . *AK

Dec 10, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

THE TRANSMISSION WENT ON MY CAR - 1998 DODGE AVENGER, 35,000 MILES. 8AK

Jul 14, 2003

HAVE PROBLEMS WITH NOISE COMING FROM LEFT FRONT OF ENGINE WHEN PUTTING CAR IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND TOLD IT WAS THE SOLENOID ON THE TRANSMISSION. NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE CLUTCH PAKS ON OR IN THE TRANSMISSION

Apr 17, 2000

WHEELS

4 complaints

MY RIM BROKE AND CAUSED MY TIRE TO GO FLAT. I HAVE HAD TO PUT TIRES ON ALMOST EVERY 6,000. MY DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING RIGHT AND I ALSO AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FOG LIGHTS.

Jan 21, 2003

4 FAILURES OF ALLOY WHEEL RIGHT FRONT, INSIDE OF RIM. ONLY ONE DUE TO SEVERE POTHOLE OTHERS DUE TO NORMAL DRIVING. POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WITH LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. ALSO RESULTED IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO SUSPENSION SYTEM WHEN POTHOLE ENCOUNTERED

Jun 13, 2001

WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TIRES WOULD BECOME FLAT. CONSUMER HAD TIRES SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED NOTHING WRONG WITH TIRES, BUT ALL FOUR RIMS WHERE BENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Nov 20, 2000

ALLOY WHEEL BENT FROM POTHOLE COLLISION AT LOW SPEED ON RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE--ALLOY WHEEL REPLACED AT OWNER EXPENSE, SECOND WHEEL BENT WITH SIMILAR POTHOLE COLLISION--APPEARS THAT THESE WHEELS ARE NOT STONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE EVERYDAY ROAD HAZARDS. *AK

Jan 25, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

4 complaints

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY HE HIT THE CENTER BLOCK WHILE APPLY HIS BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. AND THE VEHICLE FLIP TWICE INTO THE ENBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE IS TOTAL. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS

Oct 21, 2002

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED WHICH RESULTED IN BRAKES LOCKING UP AND CAUSING A COLLISION. *JG *AK

Nov 08, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH CHANGING BRAKE PADS EVERY 9,000-10,000 MILES OF WEAR, AND MAKING A RING SOUND. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Aug 01, 2000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY MAKE A VERY LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR WORK, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE, AND TOLD THE CONSUMER THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. *AK

Sep 28, 1998

STEERING

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED THE RACK AN PINION BROKE. THE CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

Sep 23, 2004

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY HIT A BUMP. STEERING WANDERED LEFT TO RIGHT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK

Mar 14, 2002

WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Sep 28, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

WHEN FILLING A EMPTY GAS TANK, I CAN GET ABOUT $2.00 OF GAS IN BEFORE GAS SPLASH BACK OCCURS. THIS CAUSES LARGE AMOUNTS OF GAS TO POUR ONTO THE GROUND AND ON MY SHOES AND CLOTHES. I HAVE TRIED 6 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS AND EACH GAS STATION DOES THE SAME THING. SO ITS NOT THE PUMPS. IT TAKES IN UPWARDS TO 10 MINUTES JUST TO PUMP $7.00 IN GAS INTO THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL SPLASHING GAS ON THE GROUND. IM TOLD THIS HAS TO DO WITH FAULTY ROLLOVER PROTECTION VALVES STICKING. WHEN FILLING UP VIA GAS CAN THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT PRESENT ITSELF. ITS JUST WHEN FILLING UP VIA GAS PUMPS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT ONLY THE CAR AND ANY PERSON/SPUTTING GAS INTO THE CAR. BUT ALSO TO THE ENVIRONMENT. *TR

Apr 05, 2012

GAS TANK GUAGE FAILED. *YC

Feb 01, 1999

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE EMITTING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE A-FRAME SUPPORT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND REPAIR AS A RESULT OF THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.

Feb 01, 2012

DODGE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME MANY RECENT SALES FOR REPLACEMENTS OF THIS PART HAVE BEEN LOGGED LOCALLY.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

May 03, 2001

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

WITHIN ONE YEAR OF EACH OTHER, BOTH THE DRIVERS AND THEN THE PASENGERS DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURES DEFECT, AS SEVERAL SEBRING AND AVENGER CARS IN OUR AREA HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE.*AK

Aug 26, 2004

1998 DODGE AVENGER ES. WHEN I WENT TO OPEN THE DRIVER,S DOOR THE ENTIRE HANDLE SNAPPED OFF AND WAS IN MY HAND. CHEAP PLASTIC MECHANISM. HAVE TO OPEN DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. VERY INCONVENIENT. HAVE CALL INTO A COUPLE MECHANICS AND DODGE DEALER FOR REPAIR ESTIMATES. *LA

Oct 18, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

CONSTANT ENGINE TROUBLE WITH A 1998 DODGE AVENGER, 77,000 MILES AND NEEDS A $1800-$4500 HEAD GASKET REPAIR. *NM

Apr 03, 2004

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLING FOR NO APPARENT REASON ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

Dec 10, 1998

TIRES

2 complaints

THE CONSUMER STATES THAT IN LESS THAN THREE YEARS SHE HAS PURCHASED 3 PAIRS OF TIRES AS A RESULT OF SIDE WALL BLOWOUTS ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST BLOWOUT HAPPENEND IN FEB. 01, ON THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE, THE SECOND BLOWOUT HAPPENED ON THE EXPRESSWAY ON JAN. 25TH 2002 ON THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, AND THE MOST RECENT BLOWOUT HAPPENED ON THE EXPRESSWAY ON THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND HAD LESS THAN 29K MILES ON THEM AND HAD ALREADY BEEN ROTATED TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. (ALL WERE BLOWING OUT ON THE INSIDE WALL OFF THE TIRE, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DROP AND DAMAGE THE RIMS) THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TIRE(S) THAT HAVE FAILED AS WELL AS THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE RIMS OF THE VEHICLE (GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES SIZE 215-50-17). *SCC

Nov 20, 2002

WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT FRONT GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A TIRE P215/50R17 EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, GOODYEAR PRORATED TIRE, DOT # M6PCLNWR199. *SLC

Feb 14, 2001

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

FRONTAL LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT BACK INTO ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER BEING PULLED OUT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS DEFECT. *AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT SEAT BLET DOES NOT PULL OUT SMOOTHLY EVERYTIME AND IT ALSO LOCKS UP.*JB

May 30, 2001

AFTER HITTING AN OPEN MANHOLE, SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE CAME OPEN, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. VEHICLE REGISTERED TO AMY THOMAS. REPORT GIVEN BY FIANCE. *AK

May 01, 2000

Crash: 1

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

ON THE EVENING OF 12/24/98 MY SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE NEGOTIATING A TURN. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. WE DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL THAT WE WERE NOT INFORMED OF. NOT SURPRISINGLY, CHRYSLER INFORMED US THAT THE RECALL SITUATION HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AFTER STRIKING A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CHRYSLER ALSO DENIED ANY FAULT IN THIS. IF IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER, THEN WHO? THIS COMPLAINT WAS INITIALLY FILED WITH NHTSA ON 12/26/98. I AM STILL WAITING FOR SOME SORT OF ACTION FROM NHTSA. A PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM THAT FAILS TO PROTECT VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MUST SURELY RESULT IN A RECALL OF VEHICLES WITH DEFECTIVE SYSTEMS. THE VEHICLE IN IN THE CUSTODY OF CHRYSLER. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT REPAIR AND RETURN OF THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE !!!

Feb 28, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SITE. THANKS TO YOUR INFORMATION WE NOW KNOW THAT OUR CAR WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL THAT EVIDENTLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF A RECALL AND ARE VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAGS NOT ACTUATING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON AFTER FAILING TO REDUCE SPEED WHILE NEGOTIATING A TURN. FORTUNATELY, MY SON AND HIS FRIEND WERE WEARING SEATBELTS. WHAT A MERRY CHRISTMAS THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE.

Dec 26, 1998

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

BRAKES LOCK UP ON WET ROADS. DEALER TRIED TO FIX 3 TIMES. CAR WILL NOW PERIODICALLY FAIL TO START

Dec 17, 1998

BRAKES LOCK UP ON WET ROADS. DEALER TRIED TO FIX 3 TIMES. CAR WILL NOW PERIODICALLY FAIL TO START

Dec 17, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS REMOVED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER HAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE TIPM REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Feb 10, 2017

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONT TIRES REQUIRED THREE REPLACEMENTS AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE LOWER BALL JOINT. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V421002 (SUSPENSION, FRONT CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT), THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Mar 12, 2010

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE I HAD A BLOWOUT. I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL OVER AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BROKE. I SKIDDED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, LOOKED AT THE WHEEL, AND IT WAS FACING TOWARD THE SKY. LUCKY FOR ME THIS HAPPENED ON A SUNDAY MORNING WITH VERY LIMITED TRAFFIC, OR IT COULD HAVE BE FATAL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP, AND THEY SAID THE BALL JOINT AND AXLE BROKE, THE FRONT TIRES WERE RUINED, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS ABOUT $1500. THE SHOP REPLACED THE BALL JOINT AND AXLE, AND WERE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING A WHEEL FOR ME. I AM NOT SURE IF THE OLD PART WAS AVAILABLE OR NOT. SOMEONE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE BALL JOINTS, SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO ASK THEM ABOUT MY CAR, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT A DEALERSHIP HAD CORRECTED THE RECALLED BALL JOINT ON FEBRUARY 20, 2002. HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT EASY TO BELIEVE THAT IF THEY HAD FIXED IT CORRECTLY ONLY FIVE YEARS AGO THAT IT WOULD HAVE BROKEN IN SUCH A MANNER. *AK

May 07, 2007

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

IN THE YEAR OF 2001-2002 WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT MY DOOR HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY 1998 DODGE AVENGER BROKE. I WENT TO A DODGE MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY FIXED IT. IN THE YEAR OF 2003 THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF AND LATER ON IN 2004 THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AGAIN. I GOT SOMEONE TO FIX IT. IT IS NOW 2006 AND MY DRIVER SIDE OF MY DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN OFF AGAIN AND THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE HANDLES KEEP BREAKING OFF. THERE HAS TO BE A DEFECT BECAUSE THEY ARE EASILY BROKEN. *NM

Nov 01, 2006

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

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 BAR. THE CONTACT REFERRED BACK TO THE MECHANIC , WHO SHOWED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A FAILED BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE DEALER HAD CORRECTED THE BALL JOINTS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Oct 19, 2005

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

DT: CALLER STATES THAT HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS ARE NOT CLEAR THEY ARE FOGGY AND INTURN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE POOR OR DIM. CANT SEE AT NIGHT VERY GOOD.*AK

May 09, 2005

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I RECENTLY HAD MY FRONT-END BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON MY 1998 DODGE AVENGER AT KEN NELSON AUTO PLAZA IN DIXON, IL. THIS PROBLEM WAS A RECALL I HAD DONE ALREADY IN MAY OF 2001. RECALL #967 FROM NHTSA. THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO PUT NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS ON MY VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. THE "NEW" BALL JOINTS DIDN'T LAST ONE YEAR AND 8 MONTHS. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR THIS TIME, FOR WHICH I DID. THE COST WAS $312.60. I DO NOT BELIEVE I SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THE MATERIAL DEFECTS THAT WERE UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK WHICH FAILED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.

Jan 31, 2003

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

RECENTLY HAD ACCIDENT, AUTO REPAIR SAID CAR HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM UNAWARE OF PRIORS, WHEN CAR PURCHASED WAS NOT TYPICAL SALE, IT WAS USED ALREADY BY DEALERSHIP, OVERPRICED VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BEFORE PURCHASED BY MYSELF. DT

Oct 24, 2002

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURVE, AND RAN INTO A BRAKE WALL.*AK

May 20, 2002

Crash: 1

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,WHEELS

1 complaint

THIS HAS BEEN MY SECOND AVENGER AND I WISH THAT I WOULD HAVE NEVER GOTTEN RID OF MY 96. THIS 98 HAS A LONGER SERVICE HISTORY THAN MOST OF THE CARS IN OUR SMALL TOWN, PUT TOGETHER. BRAKES--THE CAR HAS NOW HAD 2 BRAKE JOBS IN 9000 MILES. EACH TIME THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BLED OUT THE LINES.. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL 4500 MILES COMES AGAIN SO I CAN HAVE NEW BRAKES PUT ON IT AGAIN. FUEL ECON--THE CAR IS LUCKY TO GET 18-21 MPG ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER TOLD ME TODAY THAT THESE CARS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR GOOD GAS MILEAGE--IS THAT TRUE?? MY 96 AVENGER GOT 25-34 ON THE HIGHWAY!?!?!?! DOOR--THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HAS NEVER CLOSED PROPERLY SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN THE CAR. THE DEALER HAS ADJUSTED IT TWICE AND NOW TELLS ME IT IS FINE. IT SURE IS FUNNY HOW IT STILL SHUTS OUTSIDE OF THE WEATHERSTRIP OCCASIONALLY, CAUSING ANNOYING WIND NOISE. WHEELS----THE THIRD DAY I HAD THE CAR, I HAD A LOW SPEED POTHOLE COLLISION AND BENT A RIM. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOTICED ALL MY RIMS HAVE SMALL DINGS IN THEM AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, THE FINISH IS PEELING OFF THE RIMS. *AK

May 25, 1999

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4.4/5.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1998 DODGE Avenger have?

The 1998 DODGE Avenger currently has 60 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1998 DODGE Avenger?

The most common problems reported for the 1998 DODGE Avenger are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1998 DODGE Avenger problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1998 DODGE Avenger comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.