Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Periodic but repeated stalling of the engine when slowing to a stop and clutch disengaged. Complete loss of power when engine stalled and vehicle was still moving, resulting in numerous near collisions. Problem has worsened whereby the vehicle will periodically stall at any time when vehicle is in motion, even at high rate of speed and low throttle application. Very difficult to control vehicle when stall occurs at highway speeds. Extremely dangerous condition. Dealer has inspected vehicle and claims they cannot replicate condition. Has been brought to dealer several times. Other conditions involve the repair of a leaking head gasket that was partially covered by manufacturer after expiration of warranty. Door switch for dome light, door ajar indicator, and key-in-ignition warning tone malfunctioned once under warranty and was repaired by dealer. …
Repeated head gasket failure on engine. A recall needs to be initiated as this is a prevalent problem with this automobile! Awaiting third repair. Additionally, twice dealth with tensioner and pully problems. A defect recall needs to be initated on these parts. Defective headlight lenses resulting in extreme visability reduction. A replacement recall needed on these parts. The asog (advenger/seabring owners group) internet members group repeatedly identifying the engine gasket problems! Crysler initiated a recall change to the Dodge neon's, but discontinued the advender model without recall and replacement of defective head gaskets. Please do something for the consumer public with these three major areas of defective workmanship. Thanks for your assistance.
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.
I took my car in at 35,500 miles because it was losing just alittle oil and antifreeze. I found out the head gasket was leaking and so was the water pump. The oil was leaking into the coolant and the coolant was leaking out of the water pump. The doors always leak water when I get it washed. The doors also make a really loud noise when I close them and the window is open. The disc brakes have warped and the car shakes when I put the brakes on.( dot number: tire size: 195/75/14 )
I have contacted local Dodge Avenger dealers and mechanics and found the head gasket problem to be a defect in the manufaturing of the Avenger. This issue needs to be addressed. Recently I received a recall on the front suspension ball joint boots on my car. These are expensive items a single mother can not afford to pay. I hope that you will investigate this situation in it's entirety and contact me upon receipt of your investigation. Thank you.
The check engine light came on after the firstsmog check requiredthis year 2000. The dealer reset it the first time. Then it came on again around town at 30mph. This is a still a new car less than 25,000 when it first started. I don't feel we should keep paying to get it repaired I understand that it can be up to approx 17 different things to set it off. At about $400 ea that's expensive. I also find it odd that it just started with a smog check.
I had to have my fuel pump replaced at only 53,000 miles. Then not even a week later my check engine light is on. I took it to the same Dodge dealership countryside motors in lawrenceburg, ky 40342. After replacing my fuel pump, now I needed a new down stream oxygen sensor replaced. Was it the sensor the whole time? With only 53,000 miles on my car I find this hard to believe I needed both!!!
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
Wife and mother in-law was poisoned by carbon monoxide entering vehicle. Problem was reported to Chrysler. Chrysler did send out an investigator, but nothing could be done about the problem. Carbon monoxide poisoning occured right after the driver turned the A/C on.
Vehicle started smoking, it stalled and engine check light came on. It hesitated, sitting still. Putting vehicle in neutral kept it from cutting off. Dealer has replaced a sensor in engine. Problem came back after a while.
Engine complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 15% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Avenger engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.