1996 Dodge Avenger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 8%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 8% of the 157 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car horn fails to work when cold temps outside and engine cold. Left button on steering wheel never works and right button only works when car is warm. I got hit in a parking lot (luckily low speed) and I couldn't warn the other driver who didn't see me because the horn wouldn't blow. This is a serious problem - what happens on a highway when a driver doesn't see me??? I see other complaints on this web site about horns not working and I think it should really be looked into!!”
NHTSA complaint #740882, filed 2001-02“This is a concern. I had my dealership investigate why the horn doesn't always work and the response was that since it is tied to the driver airbag it would cost big dollars to fix. I had an accident in a private parking lot and was unable to warn the other driver that they were about to back into me. It is worse in colder weather. The lack of a working horn is a serious safety issue and I shouldn't have to pay to fix it. It has been a problem from for a long time and this is my 2nd complaint to the NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #747582, filed 2001-06“Horn buttons mounted on the steering wheel don't work and failed during the 1st year. Dealer reports these are a part of the driver's side air bag assembly. To fix the horn buttons, the air bag assembly must be replaced. Cost of air bag assembly is over $600.”
NHTSA complaint #707151, filed 1999-06“Engine has overheated six times already because there was a short in wires. Also, thermostat has gone out six times. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #8014412, filed 2002-07“A fire started spontaneously while the car was turned off after a short ride. The fire department report indicates an electrical problem. Fire seemed to originate near the fuse box.”
NHTSA complaint #724436, filed 2000-06Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 33 | 16% |
| 2013 | 98 | 18% |
| 2012 | 109 | 20% |
| 2011 | 41 | 20% |
| 2010 | 40 | 25% |
| 2009 | 10 | 15% |
| 2008 | 219 | 26% |
| 2000 | 1 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 11% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 13 | 8% |
| 1995 | 19 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger
59 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 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 27, 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