Most common 1999 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of the 62 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 →
1999 Dodge Avenger recalls (1)
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.
What 1999 Dodge Avenger owners say
Brakes
I have a 1999 Dodge Avenger. I bought the car in 2004 and I had the heads done on it. The transmission started acting up in 2005 and is still giving me problems. Sometimes it won't change into second until I turn the car off and restart it. The o2 sensors keep going out. The check engine light is always coming on. I am a single parent and cannot afford to keep fixing this car nor can I afford a new car. The brakes keep wearing out. I am having so many problems out this car that I don't know what to do. The shocks and struts are out. The half shaft is messed up again. I need so help with some of this repairs. Chrysler and Dodge knew these cars weren't made right now they need to help those of us who have them.
Multiple problems with this car since purchase. Unknown engine failure problem (dealership was unable to pinpoint problem), transmission sensors failed, rotors replaced 8 times in 4 years, black tar coming from doors, numerous alignment problems, and the big problem - the seat belt buckles keep failing. Passenger side replaced by dealership under warranty. Driver side now failing as well. Huge safety hazard! Dealership says "car not under warranty".
Suspension
I have a 1999 Dodge Avenger. I bought the car in 2004 and I had the heads done on it. The transmission started acting up in 2005 and is still giving me problems. Sometimes it won't change into second until I turn the car off and restart it. The o2 sensors keep going out. The check engine light is always coming on. I am a single parent and cannot afford to keep fixing this car nor can I afford a new car. The brakes keep wearing out. I am having so many problems out this car that I don't know what to do. The shocks and struts are out. The half shaft is messed up again. I need so help with some of this repairs. Chrysler and Dodge knew these cars weren't made right now they need to help those of us who have them.
Multiple problems with this car since purchase. Unknown engine failure problem (dealership was unable to pinpoint problem), transmission sensors failed, rotors replaced 8 times in 4 years, black tar coming from doors, numerous alignment problems, and the big problem - the seat belt buckles keep failing. Passenger side replaced by dealership under warranty. Driver side now failing as well. Huge safety hazard! Dealership says "car not under warranty".
Transmission & drivetrain
I have a 1999 Dodge Avenger sport (2.5l auto). At 48,000 miles the torque converter failed on my automatic transmission (infamous a604 transmission). Dodge refused a goodwill repair, the car is just out of warranty, and I feel that it is ridiculous for a car that is 3 years old with barely any mileage to require a transmission rebuild. I have seen many people have suffered from similar problems with their a604/41te transmission (look to bbs.asog.net under transmission forum). I also know this transmission has been defective going back to it's introduction in 1989. When is enough enough, and when will Chrysler be held responsible for this? …
I have a 1999 Dodge Avenger. I bought the car in 2004 and I had the heads done on it. The transmission started acting up in 2005 and is still giving me problems. Sometimes it won't change into second until I turn the car off and restart it. The o2 sensors keep going out. The check engine light is always coming on. I am a single parent and cannot afford to keep fixing this car nor can I afford a new car. The brakes keep wearing out. I am having so many problems out this car that I don't know what to do. The shocks and struts are out. The half shaft is messed up again. I need so help with some of this repairs. Chrysler and Dodge knew these cars weren't made right now they need to help those of us who have them.
1999 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 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Dodge Avenger a good car?
Based on 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Avenger rates better than average: 62% 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 1999 Dodge Avenger?
The brakes — 16 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the suspension (13) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Avenger have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Avenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 25% 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.