1996 Dodge Avenger Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 16%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 16% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In the am on 9/15/03 on the freeway traveling about 65 MPH, lateral arm broke off on the left side of my car, causing the left tire to push upwards into the fender and the axle to snap in half. I had to put the car into park at 40 MPH to get it to stop so I would not hit the concrete barrier or the I-5 sign. Dodge did pay for the car to be repaired, but not more than 2 weeks later the car began to make a noise while reversing and while going over bumps in the road, they told me this is the brakes, but another mechanic said that it is the lateral arm again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10050711, filed 2003-12, 131,000 miles“Front suspension has problems for some time. I have a notice from carpoint web site about a recall, and ihave not yet received a recall from dealer or either chrysler. What can I do about this??”
NHTSA complaint #707714, filed 1999-06“Abs module assembly failed at 30,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty. $1300.00 to repair. I seriously doubt anyone (including me) will pay to fix. Abs will remain disabled.”
NHTSA complaint #704867, filed 1999-03“Vehicle hit a tree head-on at about 35 MPH (est.). Neither the driver side nor the passenger side airbag deployed. Passenger's head struck and shattered windshield. Driver's face struck steering wheel causing damage to mouth and shoulder. Extensive damage to the vehicle. Amazing no one was killed or seriously injured. Also, I would notice that if I was traveling over about 40 MPH, the car would shake when the brakes were applied. Car would sometimes stall when stopped. Sometimes I would have to take the car out of park and put it back into park before it would start. …”
NHTSA complaint #743215, filed 2001-03“The brakes pads have worn out on three different occasions. The original set of brake pads went out after the first 4000 miles on the car. The pads were replaced and went out again at 17000. Finally the pads went out again at 41000. The first two times the car was taken to the dealership to have the pads replaced. The third time I took the car to a brake specialist and was told that the calipers caused the two sets of brake pads to go out. I was also told that the rear brakes were not working and had hardly any wear. I have also replaced the rear shocks three times. …”
NHTSA complaint #700812, filed 1998-11Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 17 | 8% |
| 2013 | 38 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 4% |
| 2011 | 7 | 3% |
| 2010 | 14 | 9% |
| 2009 | 6 | 9% |
| 2008 | 35 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 23% |
| 1999 | 16 | 26% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 18 | 22% |
| 1996 | 25 | 16% |
| 1995 | 38 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger
59 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Avenger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology