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1997 Dodge AvengerProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 83 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Avenger, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year43% below the Avenger median · #9 of 13 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints8327 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 24, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Dodge Avenger has problems

83 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension193
Service brakes, hydraulic181
Air bags1312
Engine and engine cooling100
Wheels60
Exterior lighting60
Electrical system50
Steering41
Power train40
6 other systems161

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1997 Dodge Avenger recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 00V-421 · Dec 18, 2000 · 393,796 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Avenger year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Avenger median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Dodge Avenger safety ratings

1997 Dodge Avenger 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Avenger owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1997 DODGE AVENGER RAN INTO A TREE AFTER BALL JOINT BROKE CAUSING THE AXEL TO BREAK.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED THIRTEEN MONTHS AFTER THE BALL JOINT RECALL WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BADLY INJURED BUT IS ON MUSCLE RELAXANTS FOR WHIPLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE…
Complaint 10117854 · Apr 12, 2005
AFTER RECALL 967 CONTROL ARM REPAIRS, WERE DONE THE PROBLEM RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE FRONT LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *AK REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARM. *BF
Complaint 10117608 · May 6, 2005 · 145,050 miles
CREAKING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. RECEIVED RECALL 967 AND DEALER DID NOT USE ANY PARTS TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *BF THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE NOT DAMAGED. PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTICE THE CONSUMER HAD THE BALL JOINT REPLACED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET THE OTHER…
Complaint 10109753 · Jan 25, 2005

Own a 1997 Avenger?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.