Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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. I am upset now to find out that there was a recall and I had to pay for all the repairs out of my own pocket. I am asking if there is any way to be reimbersed for some or all of the expense that I incurred.
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.
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.
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
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.
Failure on the transmission, four times vehicle was in the neutral position and vehicle jumped out of gear/ 3 times vehicle rolled in park, resulting in loss of control/accident.
Gone through many number of brakes, with normal driving, and transmission problems.
When car is turned off and key is out of ignition, automatic transmission can move into any other gear . 2. Passenger's side seatbelt can unlatch by itself, causing safety hazard.
Front inner tie rod/ front wheel bearings,and suspension of the vehicle he just purchased malfunctioned. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Torque converter dropped and hit metal casing. Tow operator indicated it was from transmission failure. Contacted Chrysler, and they were aware of problem.
Transmission complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Avenger, 13% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Avenger transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.