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Exterior lightingPart report

1996 Dodge Avenger Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
5%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 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 5% of the 157 complaints for this model year.

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.

“My 1996 Dodge Avenger es v-6 has severely pitted headlamp lenses which seriously reduces the effectiveness of the headlamps for night driving and I believe is dangerous. I've experienced this in other cars I've owned, but not nearly to the degree with this Dodge. The lenses look cloudy.”

NHTSA complaint #10018917, filed 2003-05

“While driving consumer noticed that the both driver's side and passenger's side headlights failed to see due to lens having a cloudy residue on them. This caused poor visibility, consumer was unable to see. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic stated that the parts for lens were not on recall. Consumer was responsible for the parts and labor.”

NHTSA complaint #10097656, filed 2004-10

“The clear plastic headlight lenses on our vehicle are deteriorating to the point that night visibility is severely limited. The deterioration is on the outer surface of the headlight lens, as evidenced by a rough texture. There is no evidence on the painted surface or windshield that this vehicle has been driven or garaged in abrasive or corrosive conditions.”

NHTSA complaint #758476, filed 2002-02

“Heat from headlights was melting inside of headlight cover. Vehicle cannot pass inspection with this problem. Also, high beams have to be activated for driving abilty. Dealer and manufacturer were notified, and have been receiving same other complaints. Both head light lamp assemblies need to be replaced to correct the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #8006892, filed 2002-04

“There is a brown fog building up in the headlight lenses, causing the light to be dim making it hard for the consumer to see while driving at night. The cause is unknown and the dealer was notified. The consumer states that there is no moisture build up and is not on the outside of the lights.”

NHTSA complaint #8013680, filed 2002-07

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201452%
201371%
2012132%
201142%
201042%
2008121%
199912%
199812%
199767%
199685%
199521%

Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger

Suspension
59 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Engine cooling
24 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Electrical system
13 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Seat belts
10 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Body 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 30, 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