1996 Dodge Avenger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 13%of 157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,251miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 13% of the 157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,251 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.
“I am the owner of a 1996 Dodge Avenger. I received this car from my father. On february 26 2004 as I was leaving work, something broke. Upon having the car towed to the repair shop, I had to have the cv shaft, and the lower control arm assembly, replaced. This cost me out of pocket, $629.45. Then on 10/1/04 I had to have the spindle assembly replaced. Which cost another $ 325.16. I now realize that there was a recall on the problem with my car. I asked my father, who was the owner of the car at the time of the recall, if he was ever notified about the recall and he said no. …”
NHTSA complaint #10111978, filed 2005-02, 121,251 miles“My transmission seal blew off at 18,000 miles, whch shouldn't have happened. It took the dealer 2 weeks to fix car, and when I got it back, the transmission fell out. They also used my car as a rental car, and I got it back with 700 extra miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #745297, filed 2001-05“Car was parked with shifter in p and engine off. When I turned the key in the ignition the car took off like a banshee at full revs. I hit a building, some stone steps, went over a curb, and barely managed to make a 90 degree turn to avoiding running down two pedertrians. When key was turned off the car was still in p . It appears that there may have been a recall (98v183000) for this problem, however we were never notified of it. We will never trust this car to drive again and are requesting that chrysler replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #701787, filed 1999-01“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“Consumer was accelerating up to 45 MPH speed limit when all drivetrain capability and forward motion was lost. Vehicle currently at a Dodge dealership, and they informed consumer that transmission has to be rebuilt because no transmissions were available for 1996 model. This will cost consumer $2200.00. Burning rubber smell was detected after the vehicle was taken for fluid change at the dealer. Belts and the tensioners were replaced but the rubber smell still cintinued. Later on, the transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #886256, filed 2001-04Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12 | 6% |
| 2013 | 32 | 6% |
| 2012 | 31 | 6% |
| 2011 | 14 | 7% |
| 2010 | 20 | 12% |
| 2009 | 10 | 15% |
| 2008 | 236 | 28% |
| 2000 | 6 | 27% |
| 1999 | 10 | 16% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 21 | 13% |
| 1995 | 16 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Avenger
59 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsEngine cooling
24 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