Owners have filed 254 complaints
about the 1995 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Dodge Avenger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
18.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
317.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1058.8%
150,000+ miles
317.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1995peak 10Nov 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Dodge Avenger
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03002Opened 7 May 2003Closed 22 Jul 2003STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENT...
RQ00015Opened 2 Aug 2000Closed 20 Apr 2001SUSPENSION
LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT
PE99008Opened 1 Feb 1999Closed 13 Apr 1999SUSPENSION
BALL JOINT
allege failure of front ball joints may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle as the front suspension collapses on one side.this loss of control increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Recalls on the 1995 Dodge Avenger
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200106218,687 units in 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 crash. Correction: Lower lateral arm ball joints will be inspected for wear and replaced as necessary with newly designed lower lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent the intrusion of moisture.
Recall 199914410,789 units in Canada
Steering
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 found, the lower lateral arm will be replaced.
Recall 19981061,661 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE ASPIRATOR SYSTEM MAY FAIL, RESULTING IN INCREASED LEVELS OF NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: THE ASPIRATOR SYSTEM WILL BE REMOVED, THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WILL BE REPLACED, IF REQUIRED, WITH ONE HAVING THE LATEST DESIGN AND THE POWER CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WILL BE REPROGRAMMED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 109,478 milesStevensville, MICrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
NORMAL USE OF THE CAR....DRIVING AROUND TOWN ETC........THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING CAME LOOSE AND THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY CAME OFF THE CAR AND CAR CAME DOWN ON THE WHEEL CAUSING FENDER DAMAGE. REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AT THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO AVOID ANY MORE LOSS OF CAR CONTROL. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10132924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE SOON AFTER THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER THE ENTIRE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8020993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
House Spring, MOCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE IN A FRONTAL VEHICLE CRASH OVER 30 MPH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8018159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Grove, MNCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR TO REPLACE THESE BALL-JOINTS THAT WERE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACE LAST AUGUST BEFORE I OWNED IT. THAT MEANS THE RECALL HAS BEEN DONE TWICE ALREADY AND NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN. WHAT'S THE POINT IN REPLACING A JUNK PART WITH ANOTHER JUNK PART.
NHTSA complaint #765651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Grove, MNCrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR TO REPLACE THESE BALL-JOINTS THAT WERE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACE LAST AUGUST BEFORE I OWNED IT. THAT MEANS THE RECALL HAS BEEN DONE TWICE ALREADY AND NEEDS TO BE DONE AGAIN. WHAT'S THE POINT IN REPLACING A JUNK PART WITH ANOTHER JUNK PART.
NHTSA complaint #765651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
NHTSA RECALL 99V421002/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 967 ; FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO THE WALL. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP CONFIRMED THAT ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #8004720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 142,000 milesPainesville, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY DROPPED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM FRACTURED FROM SEVERE CORROSION, WHICH CAUSED THE BALL JOINT TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V066003 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #10249973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesPeru, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BREAKS OFF, MOST USED....
NHTSA complaint #10229302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,754 milesSaint Louis, MO
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREAD COMING OFF OF TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10197123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesJoplin, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR UPGRADE TO 95-96.
NHTSA complaint #10183123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesChickasha, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, CAR STALLS AND DIES NOW WONT START, WHEN DRIVING ON RAINY DAY CAR SUCKS WATER INTO THE AIR FILTER AND INTO THE ENGINE, DASH LIGHTS FLASH.
NHTSA complaint #10168537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBothell, WA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A NHTSA RECALL # 99V066003, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT THAT WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 90 DAYS AND DID NOT EXPRESS WHY THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10165932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,080 milesWest Sacramento, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1995 DODGE AVENGER HAS FAILURES THAT I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT WERE PROBLEMS/FAILURES THAT WERE RECALLED BY CHRYSLER/DODGE/DIAMONDSTAR MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10143292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,080 milesWest Sacramento, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1995 DODGE AVENGER HAS FAILURES THAT I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT WERE PROBLEMS/FAILURES THAT WERE RECALLED BY CHRYSLER/DODGE/DIAMONDSTAR MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10143292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,080 milesWest Sacramento, CA
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
1995 DODGE AVENGER HAS FAILURES THAT I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT WERE PROBLEMS/FAILURES THAT WERE RECALLED BY CHRYSLER/DODGE/DIAMONDSTAR MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10143292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesIRA, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DT: THE CALLER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER LAST WEDNESDAY, AND THE DEALER HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER EVERY DAY. THEY TOLD HER THEY WERE WAITING FOR A MANAGER TO APPROVE THE WORK. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10137054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,478 milesStevensville, MICrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
NORMAL USE OF THE CAR....DRIVING AROUND TOWN ETC........THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING CAME LOOSE AND THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY CAME OFF THE CAR AND CAR CAME DOWN ON THE WHEEL CAUSING FENDER DAMAGE. REPLACED BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS AT THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP TO AVOID ANY MORE LOSS OF CAR CONTROL. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10132924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPonchatoula, LA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING THE BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME COLLAPSED. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND HAD TO HAVE THE SEAT WELDED.
NHTSA complaint #10111799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dearborn Heights, MI
SUSPENSION
I OWN A 1995 DODGE AVENGER HAS SAME PROBLEM AS 2000-2003 DODGE DURANGO, BALL JOINTS. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES AND COMPRESSION ARMS BECAUSE THEY SUFFER PREMATURE AND UNDUE WEAR BY BEING COMPROMISED BY THE BAD BALL JOINT. THE CONSUMER HAD SEVERAL SUSPENSION COMPONETS REPLACED SUCH AS THE SWAY BARS AND SWAY BAR LINKS.
NHTSA complaint #10109338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ADA, KS
STEERING
SUSPENSION&STEERING--- ALWAYS HAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AT 60-70MPH BRAKES--- CAN'T KEEP BRAKES UNDER IT. HAVE TO DO BRAKES AND ROTORS 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
NHTSA complaint #10069273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ADA, KS
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION&STEERING--- ALWAYS HAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AT 60-70MPH BRAKES--- CAN'T KEEP BRAKES UNDER IT. HAVE TO DO BRAKES AND ROTORS 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
NHTSA complaint #10069273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSanta Rosa, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKES INADVERTANTLY LOCK UP FOR JUST A COUPLE SECONDS THEN RELEASE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY COULD'T FIND ANYTHING WROND
NHTSA complaint #10068731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ADA, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SUSPENSION&STEERING--- ALWAYS HAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AT 60-70MPH BRAKES--- CAN'T KEEP BRAKES UNDER IT. HAVE TO DO BRAKES AND ROTORS 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
NHTSA complaint #10069273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garner, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES LOCKED COMPLETELY AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10040628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagara Falls, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL#00V421002 CONCERNING LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT. A PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINT AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE, AND THE BALL JOINTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10040490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagara Falls, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL#00V421002 CONCERNING LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT. A PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINT AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE, AND THE BALL JOINTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10040490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesArlington, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
HEADLIGHT LIGHT PLASTIC COVER CHANGES COLOR AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT LESSENS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE LIGHT. COVER HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT CANNOT BE CLEANED.
NHTSA complaint #10038068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSaint Clair Shores, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE "INNER" LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS WORN OUT PREMATURELY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE COMPONENT. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 75000 MILES. MANUFACTURER HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE OUTER CONTROL ARM, BUT NOT THE INNER ONE.
NHTSA complaint #10030116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT BRAKE PROBLEMS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING GAS PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND CONSUMER HAD TO PHYSICALLY PULL IT OUT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OR THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10024963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT BRAKE PROBLEMS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING GAS PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND CONSUMER HAD TO PHYSICALLY PULL IT OUT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OR THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10024963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,213 milesSAN Fernando, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WHILE OPENING THE DOOR(DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED NORMALLY ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP AND BROKE). (ALMOST ALWAYS GARAGED) THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND THERE WAS NO COLD WEATHER THE NIGHT BEFORE. PLASTIC SHOULD NOT BE SO BRITTLE, SMALL CHILDREN COULD BE LOCKED IN, THANK YOU. * TS *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS****761468
NHTSA complaint #10008793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.