1996 Dodge Avenger Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 15%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 15% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The check engine light came on after the firstsmog check requiredthis year 2000. The dealer reset it the first time. Then it came on again around town at 30mph. This is a still a new car less than 25,000 when it first started. I don't feel we should keep paying to get it repaired I understand that it can be up to approx 17 different things to set it off. At about $400 ea that's expensive. I also find it odd that it just started with a smog check.”
NHTSA complaint #732370, filed 2000-09“I have contacted local Dodge Avenger dealers and mechanics and found the head gasket problem to be a defect in the manufaturing of the Avenger. This issue needs to be addressed. Recently I received a recall on the front suspension ball joint boots on my car. These are expensive items a single mother can not afford to pay. I hope that you will investigate this situation in it's entirety and contact me upon receipt of your investigation. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #710064, filed 1999-08“I took my car in at 35,500 miles because it was losing just alittle oil and antifreeze. I found out the head gasket was leaking and so was the water pump. The oil was leaking into the coolant and the coolant was leaking out of the water pump. The doors always leak water when I get it washed. The doors also make a really loud noise when I close them and the window is open. The disc brakes have warped and the car shakes when I put the brakes on.( DOT number: tire size: 195/75/14 )”
NHTSA complaint #700468, filed 1998-11“On the transmission the seal for the front shaft is leaking,also the head gasket is leaking which is made out of paper and disolved which now needs replaced the input and output sensors are also in need of replacement I have two of these cars and find it appauling that both are having the same problems. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #767188, filed 2002-09“Wife and mother in-law was poisoned by carbon monoxide entering vehicle. Problem was reported to chrysler. Chrysler did send out an investigator, but nothing could be done about the problem. Carbon monoxide poisoning occured right after the driver turned the A/C on.”
NHTSA complaint #873950, filed 2000-10Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 61 | 7% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 10 | 12% |
| 1996 | 24 | 15% |
| 1995 | 18 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger
59 complaintsBrakes
25 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 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