1996 Dodge Avenger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 5% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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“Panic alarm malfunction. Deployed on its own. Could not turn off. Went off after 3 minutes. Deployed again when opening drivers door. On for another 3 minutes. Again while driving; again when turning left. Dealer was not able to duplicate after once at dealership. Were not able to find problem. Shimmed button under hood.”
NHTSA complaint #711105, filed 2000-04“Front inner tie rod/ front wheel bearings,and suspension of the vehicle he just purchased malfunctioned. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #883550, filed 2001-03“Pulled into parking lot, steering went out completely, had it towed to garage, was informed steering belt bolt was loose/broke power steering belt. Will provide additional information (invoice).”
NHTSA complaint #806274, filed 1996-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 19 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 4% |
| 2011 | 10 | 5% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 21 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger
59 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsExterior lighting
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