1997 Dodge Avenger Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,402miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Dodge Avenger, 16% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,402 miles. 12 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.
“I have a 1997 Dodge Avenger some of my problems I have not fixed I am about to go broke. I have more problems with my tires, brakes, and rotors. The paint is chipping off my car in spots. My tires wear fast, my airbag is loose the cover on it. My brakes are awful I have to replace them a lot. I love my car but there is too many problems....”
NHTSA complaint #10070851, filed 2004-01, 93,000 miles“Consumer's vehicle was involved in an accident. There were two occupants in the vehicle. Upon impact, airbags in the front did not deploy. Vehicle was moving at 45 MPH, and the vehicle went into a ditch. Both occupants suffered head traumas. Consumer contacted chrysler, and was told by the manufacturer in writing that the air bags were not suppose to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10090088, filed 2004-08, 139,805 miles“Consumer was traveling at approximately 35 MPH and broadsided vehicle. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy, causing serious neck/back, and shoulder injuries. Also, vehicle was totaled. Manufacturer claimed airbags worked properly by not deploying , the impact was 30 degrees away from head on, and did not create 17g of force in order for airbags to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #870812, filed 2000-09“Consumer was driving at approximately 30-40 MPH and another vehicle ran in front ,hitting it, and pushing consumer's vehicle off the road into a car lot, hitting 3 vehicles upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy , causing head and face injuries. Also, front end was push into windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #867564, filed 2000-08“Was going 30mph when a deer ran out in front of vehicle, vehicle swerved to miss deer, and hit a tree stump, and went sailing. Then, hit some trees head-on. Upon impact, driver's air bag failed to deploy. Vehicle declared totaled. Driver suffered brain damage.”
NHTSA complaint #878224, filed 2001-01Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 69 | 34% |
| 2013 | 154 | 28% |
| 2012 | 109 | 20% |
| 2011 | 35 | 17% |
| 2010 | 37 | 23% |
| 2009 | 11 | 16% |
| 2008 | 96 | 12% |
| 1999 | 7 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 14% |
| 1997 | 13 | 16% |
| 1996 | 10 | 6% |
| 1995 | 15 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Avenger
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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