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1998 Dodge AvengerProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 58 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Avenger, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

71
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years58% below the Avenger median · #10 of 13 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints5821 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage86kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 10, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Dodge Avenger has problems

58 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
Suspension171
Air bags88
Service brakes, hydraulic72
Wheels50
Engine and engine cooling40
Power train41
Latches/locks/linkages40
Steering30
Vehicle speed control33
7 other systems121

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

2 recalls

1998 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 →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 98V-045 · Mar 3, 1998 · 27,527 vehicles

Risk. THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTROL WOULD NOT RETURN TO IDLE 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

1998 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
In owners' words

What Avenger owners report

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

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…
Complaint 10376420 · 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…
Complaint 10367331 · Nov 23, 2010 · 114,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10319145 · Mar 12, 2010 · 86,000 miles

Own a 1998 Avenger?

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