Owners have filed 72 complaints
about the 1998 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 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 — 10
Against the median year of the Dodge Avenger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
34.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% 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.
Lower Ball Joint
1133.3%
Latch
412.1%
Front
412.1%
Frontal
412.1%
RIM
39.1%
Foundation Components
39.1%
Fuel Injection System
26.1%
Gasoline
26.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
416.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
625.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
625.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
625.0%
150,000+ miles
28.3%
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.
Sep 1998peak 7Feb 2017
Recalls on the 1998 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.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E055000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
00V421002
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.
98V045002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DASH PANEL PAD CAN SHIFT INTERFERRING WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL.
Risk: THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 19980901,010 units in Canada
Engine
THE DASH PANEL MAY SAG AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING OR RESULT IN A THROTTLE STICKING CONDITION. CORRECTION: THE DASH PANEL PAD WILL BE TRIMMED ABOVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,000 milesKnoxdale, PACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10130820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWausau, WICrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10102607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10011902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadephia, PACrashFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
NHTSA complaint #8021279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Home Wood, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE ACCELERATED. IT JUMPED THE CURVE, AND RAN INTO A BRAKE WALL.
NHTSA complaint #8010175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunmor, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #898946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 185,000 milesHarrisburg, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10953849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,766 milesFort Worth, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10454298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCanton, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesville, LA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10376420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesCanton, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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
NHTSA complaint #10367331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesConnersville, IN
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10319145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesConnersville, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10319145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,100 milesFort Mitchell, KY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10190092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,100 milesFort Mitchell, KY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10190092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,100 milesFort Mitchell, KY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10190092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ruston, LA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10172325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,309 milesQuaker Hill, CT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10140368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesStanton, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10140200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesStanton, NE
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10140200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesKnoxdale, PACrash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10130820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesLA Crosse, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10120447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWausau, WICrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10102607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, IL
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED THE RACK AN PINION BROKE. THE CONSUMER WILL PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10094204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesOrlando, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10088612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maybee, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10083892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,600 milesMiddletown, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
I EXPERIENCED 2 FAILURES OF THE CONTROL ARM LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1998 DODGE AVENGER. THE RIGHT SIDE FAILED ON 4/18/04 - I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, DEALER DENIED FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY RECALLED BALL JOINT ISSUE AND DEALER PERFORMED RECALL INSPECTION ON THE LEFT SIDE AT THAT TIME ALSO. THE LEFT SIDE THEN FAILED ON 4/25, ONLY 5 DAYS AFTER THE DEALER "INSPECTED" THE BALL JOINT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECALL - UNBELIEVABLE! THIS TIME THE LEFT WHEEL CAME OFF WHICH HAD THE POTENTIAL FOR A SEVERE IF NOT FATAL ACCIDENT! MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST EXITED THE INTERSTATE AND WENT AROUND A VERY SHARP EXIT RAMP BEND. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND AGAIN THE DEALER IS DENYING THE RECALL FAILURE. I SECURED THE OLD PARTS FROM THE LEFT SIDE - AND CLEARLY THERE IS CORROSION IN THE BALL JOINT THAT CAUSE FAILURE OF THE BALL STUD. I TALKED TO THE SHOP-TECH DOING THE REPAIR WORK AND HE COMMENTED ON HOW YOU COULD SEE THE CORRODED METAL IN THE BALL SOCKET AND THEN WHERE THE BREAK OCCURED YOU COULD SEE THE SHINNY METAL. I AM TRYING TO DEAL WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATE ON REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS OF THE ACTUAL REPAIRS AND FOR COLLATERAL DAMAGE TO THE TIRES AND WHEELS. BEYOND THAT HOWEVER, I AM GREATLY CONCERNED REGARDING THE "INSPECTION" NOT CATCHING THE IMMINENT LEFT SIDE FAILURE ONLY 5 DAYS LATER - THIS TO ME DEMONSTRATES A POTENTIAL FLAW IN THE RECALL REQUIREMENTS; AND, I AM GREATLY CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE OTHERS OUT THERE THAT MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY AS MY DAUGHTER WAS IN AVOIDING A VERY SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT FROM THIS TYPE OF FAILURE - I THINK MORE DRASTIC MEASURES SHOULD BE INSTITUTED. DAVE LOJEK.
NHTSA complaint #10068214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesNiles, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSTANT ENGINE TROUBLE WITH A 1998 DODGE AVENGER, 77,000 MILES AND NEEDS A $1800-$4500 HEAD GASKET REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10064492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,262 milesWilmington, DE
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRONT LOWER ARM BALL JOINT WORE OUT. BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT YET RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10053668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
IF MY VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A RECALL, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE "DIAGNOSED" TO SEE IF IT IS DEFECTIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE INSPECTED IT AND KNOW THAT THE "BALL JOINT" RECALL FOR MY 1998 DODGE AVENGER IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10045480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesGlendale, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10043153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.