1997 Dodge Avenger Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 22%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Avenger, 22% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles. 1 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 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“Recuring problems with brake vibration and fast wear, also with suspension repair, was twice quoted for a full replacement of front suspension. Have not done this yet. Major problems with engine electical and check engine light. Have replaced wires and plugs 2-3 time per year. Replaced engine coil once to fix problem with spark plugs arching and burning up. Problem was solved temporarily. Problem is back 3 months later. Chugging and sputtering.”
NHTSA complaint #10070983, filed 2004-01, 140,000 miles“Abs brake system failed due to the pump motor, causing loss of braking power. If the ABS light is illuminated when the vehicle is turned off, the light goes off. When he starts the vehicle and the ABS kicks in, the engine would stall. The pump motor was corroded which caused one or more wheels to lock up. Problem is unpredictable on dry or wet pavement. Failure occurred in ice or snowy conditions. Consumer noted the ABS feature didn't happen, the brakes locked. Vehicle was repaired seven months later when Dodge decided to repair the vehicle for $300. Dollars less due to the approaching winter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10034432, filed 2003-12, 82,000 miles“I have had problems with the brakes since I purchased the car two years ago. I have had them repaired several times with no luck in improvement. They function fine, but feel 'soft' and they pulsate. The last time I had them fixed, the dealer replaced the pads with chrysler pads and turned the rotors. They still did not feel they way they were supposed to feel. ** as far as the AC, when I push the button to use the AC and turn the dial to 'cold', hot air still comes out of the vents as if the heat is still on.”
NHTSA complaint #748027, filed 2001-07“When brakes are applied there is a loud/squeaking noise that occurs intermittently. Brake disc pads sound as if metal to metal rubbing. Sometimes extended stopping distance occurs. Dealer contacted, and stated it was the design of brakes. Tsb established. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834245, filed 1999-01Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 17 | 8% |
| 2013 | 38 | 7% |
| 2012 | 23 | 4% |
| 2011 | 7 | 3% |
| 2010 | 14 | 9% |
| 2009 | 6 | 9% |
| 2008 | 35 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 23% |
| 1999 | 16 | 26% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 18 | 22% |
| 1996 | 25 | 16% |
| 1995 | 38 | 19% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Avenger
19 complaintsAir bags
13 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 28, 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