Most common 1997 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of the 83 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Avenger complaints by model year
Best Avenger years: 2007, 2000, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 1995. Compare all years →
1997 Dodge Avenger recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints.
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
The headrest guide bracket was improperly welded to the seat back frame on the passenger side seat back assemblies only.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat back assembly with a new assembly.
What 1997 Dodge Avenger owners say
Suspension
While driving at 45 MPH consumer heard a loud snapping sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Also, the front tires were squealing and bouncing severely. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and it rolled into a ditch on the right side. Dealer examined the vehicle, and determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.
(1) 1997 Dodge Avenger was driven (2) left side lower balljoint failed (pulled out of lateral control arm), wheel turned to the left, contactedfender, puller axle out of transmission. This all happened at parking lot speed. (3) car was towed to my house then Dodge dealer after I learned of previous recall issues. Dodge gave me an estimate of $1,200 for repairs (that included perhaps free replacement of the lower control arms pending approval from Chrysler rep. Chrysler rep was a no show and could not commit to a day that he could inspect the car. I repaired the car myself (new left and right lower control arms, a rebuilt axle, and transmission oil. I notified Chrysler of the above events. They do not want to pay for the repair parts (napa parts). They offered to take the car back to the dealer and replace the control arms and axle. I already paid for them at napa. …
Brakes
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. Consumer feels the defect is the manufacturer's fault and wants to be reimbursed for the repair.
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.
Air bags
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.
Left interstate and entering roadway when consumer began to brake and there were no brakes. Rear ended a 18-wheeler. Vehicle could not be stopped, the air bags did not deploy. Driver and son were injured. The vehicle was totaled. Consumer called Chrysler and they said that because the manifold has so much damage due to the crash, they could not determine whether consumer had no brakes prior to crash.
1997 Dodge Avenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Avenger a good car?
Based on 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Avenger rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Avenger at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Dodge Avenger?
The suspension — 19 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm › lower ball joint. Next are the brakes (18) and air bags (13).
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Avenger have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Dodge Avenger, the most recent from December 18, 2000 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Avenger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2000 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 1995. See the full Dodge Avenger years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Avenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.