Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. Dodge is refusing to pay to fix it and when I brought them the car they did not visually inspect the car, they only took it on a test drive. I have been having anxiety attacks everytime I hear that noise, my back and shoulder have been in pain and I have seen a specialist because of this. …
Vehicle hit a tree head-on at about 35 MPH (est.). Neither the driver side nor the passenger side airbag deployed. Passenger's head struck and shattered windshield. Driver's face struck steering wheel causing damage to mouth and shoulder. Extensive damage to the vehicle. Amazing no one was killed or seriously injured. Also, I would notice that if I was traveling over about 40 MPH, the car would shake when the brakes were applied. Car would sometimes stall when stopped. Sometimes I would have to take the car out of park and put it back into park before it would start. Also the passenger side headlight seemed to not be fully sealed as it always had condensation inside. Noticed the passenger airbag seemed to be sticking out and the glove compartment was difficult to open. I wonder if this car had been wrecked before I bought it. I know I was not told it had been. …
The brakes pads have worn out on three different occasions. The original set of brake pads went out after the first 4000 miles on the car. The pads were replaced and went out again at 17000. Finally the pads went out again at 41000. The first two times the car was taken to the dealership to have the pads replaced. The third time I took the car to a brake specialist and was told that the calipers caused the two sets of brake pads to go out. I was also told that the rear brakes were not working and had hardly any wear. I have also replaced the rear shocks three times. I have replaced the rear shocks twice in the past year.
In the parking lot of the credit union went to put the emergency brakes on and it was real easy to pull up, vehicle was still running heard a loud noise and the vehicle towed to the dealer was told that a spring popped on the back brakes which was causing the noise. The brakes were hanging down.
Since consumer has owned vehicle he has had to have front brake rotors replaced no less than twenty (20) times due to warping. Work has been performed by dealership and defect has not been corrected. Consumer had been told there is nothing he can do to remedy the problem.
Driving at different speeds, brakes will pulsate, feels as though it will not stop. Slowly defect is getting worse. Dealer resurfaced rotors/changed and cleaned rotors four times, still cannot find problem.
While driving vehicle, when applying the brakes, would notice severe vibrations. Happens at various speeds. Took it to dealer to replace the brakes, was informed there was too much stopping & going.
Gone through many number of brakes, with normal driving, and transmission problems.
Front suspension has problems for some time. I have a notice from carpoint web site about a recall, and ihave not yet received a recall from dealer or either Chrysler. What can I do about this??
ABS module assembly failed at 30,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty. $1300.00 to repair. I seriously doubt anyone (including me) will pay to fix. ABS will remain disabled.
Brake complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 16% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Avenger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Dodge Avenger, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Avenger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 131,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.