- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Dodge Avenger Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (17) and the airbags (8). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1997 has 89 and the 1999 has 62.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Avenger year, for its age
#83 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 58
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 14
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 12
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of all 58 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Dodge Avenger recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Certain airtex fuel pump module assemblies, p/n e7081h, sold for use as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed above. The wall of the flared fitting of the fuel pump is not thick enough to prevent the mating threaded fittings from bottoming out before an adequate seal is achieved. This condition may result in leakage of fuel at the connection of the vehicle fuel line and the fuel pump module assembly.
- The risk
- In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2007. Owners can contact airtex automotive at 800-880-3056.
- The problem
- Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.
- The fix
- 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. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The dash panel pad can shift interferring with the throttle cable control.
- The risk
- The throttle cable control would not return to idle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will remove a portion of the dash panel pad so it cannot interfere with the throttle cable control.
What owners say
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58 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Avenger
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge avenger. While the vehicle was stationary, it would not turn off when the ignition key was removed. The failure occurred after having the ignition switch replaced. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing the tipm replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000. The vin was not available.
When filling a empty gas tank, I can get about $2.00 Of gas in before gas splash back occurs. This causes large amounts of gas to pour onto the ground and on my shoes and clothes. I have tried 6 different gas stations and each gas station does the same thing. So its not the pumps. It takes in upwards to 10 minutes just to pump $7.00 In gas into the vehicle while still splashing gas on the ground. Im told this has to do with faulty rollover protection valves sticking. When filling up via gas can this problem does not present itself. Its just when filling up via gas pumps. This is very dangerous to not only the car and any person/sputting gas into the car. But also to the environment. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a loud clunking noise emitting outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the a-frame support was completely rusted. The technician also stated that the vehicle was beyond repair as a result of the extensive damage. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge avenger. The contact stated that since 2010, both lower ball joints failed. The contact was driving 35 mph when the driver side ball joint failed and the tire began to lean. After having the driver side repaired, the passenger side failed when the contact was driving 45 mph, causing the contact to spin around and end up facing oncoming traffic. The contact referenced recall 00v421002 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) but had never been notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 140,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge avenger. While the contact was driving 55 mph the vehicle hit a bump causing the lower control arm to snap and the suspension to hit the tire and the fender. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor was it repaired. The failure mileage was 114,000. Updated 01/14/11*lj
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 70 mph on normal road conditions, the engine stalled without warning. He was able to coast onto the emergency lane. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. In addition, both front tires required three replacements as a result of a defective lower ball joint. Although there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number...
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00v421002 (suspension, front control arm, lower ball joint), the dealer stated that the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer would not offer additional assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden it felt like I had a blowout. I began to slow down and pull over and front driver side tire broke. I skidded to a stop on the side of the road. I got out of the car, looked at the wheel, and it was facing toward the sky. Lucky for me this happened on a sunday morning with very limited traffic, or it could have be fatal. I had the car towed to a shop, and they said the ball joint and axle broke, the front tires were ruined, and the driver's side wheel needed...
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to be replaced. The total cost of repairs was about $1500. The shop replaced the ball joint and axle, and were now in the process of finding a wheel for me. I am not sure if the old part was available or not. Someone informed me that there was a recall on these ball joints, so I called the dealership to ask them about my car, and they informed me that a dealership had corrected the recalled ball joint on february 20, 2002. However, it was not easy to believe that if they had fixed it correctly only five years ago that it would have broken in such a manner. *Ak
In the year of 2001-2002 was the first time that my door handle on the driver side of my 1998 dodge avenger broke. I went to a dodge mechanic shop and they fixed it. In the year of 2003 the passenger door handle broke off and later on in 2004 the driver side of the door handle broke again. I got someone to fix it. It is now 2006 and my driver side of my door handle has broken off again and the passenger door handle will not open the door from the outside. This has caused me to be locked out of my car multiple times. I don't understand why the handles keep breaking off. There has to be a defect because they are easily broken. *Nm
Dt: the contact received recall 00v421002 five years ago. When she took the vehicle to the dealership they stated there was nothing wrong with the ball joints. The ball joints were making an intermittent clung at that time. The problem got progressively worse. The contact states it sounded like the wheel was going to fall off. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on october 19, 2005. They stated there was excessive wear on lower ball joints, and they should be replaced soon. The vehicle was checked...
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at two other places ,and they stated the same thing. When she called chrysler, they insisted that the dealership had to do the work. Chrysler then called the dealership, and they stated the recall was on the boot that covered the ball joint and it was not sealed properly. The dealership stated the boot was not damaged, it was just the ball joint. *Ak
Dt: when applying brake pressure there was a surging effect as if the brakes were pulsating. The contact determined the rotors warped. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer for confirmation of the warped rotors. The rotors were replaced, but the contact was unaware if these were actual chrysler parts or after market replacements. After the repairs the problem returned. The contact's father consulted a service center that noted that this was a common problem. This has not corrected the problem. No...
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further repairs. The brakes did stop the car but there was a rocking motion as if it was in a catching and releasing fashion. There have been no accidents. Also, the contact added that there was nhtsa recall o0v421002 concerning the front suspension lower ball joints for which this vehicle was included. The contact did not experience e a failure, but since the recall repair work was done a couple years ago there have been a noise from the front of the vehicle. Last week the vehicle was taken to a mechanic ,who determined the ball joints were failing. The vehicle was taken to a chrysler dealer who inspected the vehicle and said it may have been a strut or a sway bar. The contact referred back to the mechanic , who showed the contact that there was a failed ball joint. The contact was unsure if the dealer had corrected the ball joints as indicated in the recall. *Ak
Dt: 1998 dodge adventure. Consumer took vehicle for a state inspection which approved the vehicle. Twenty days later on 7-26-05 the ball joint fall off the vehicle. The consumer heard a loud popping noise, and then consumer5 lost total control of the vehicle, and it hit a road sign and ran through another . There had been no other problems with the vehicle. The consumer had the vehicle towed to home. Consumer had another state certified inspection mechanic look at the vehicle, and they told him there was no...
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way it should have passed inspection. When he contacted the diamler/chrysler manufacturer, they said would send someone out to look at the vehicle, this was on 8-1-05. A police report was issued. *Ak
Dt: caller states that headlight lens covers are not clear they are foggy and inturn the head lights are poor or dim. Cant see at night very good.*Ak
Transmission jumps in and out of gear when ever it feels like it causing the front tires to lock up and the passengers to be tossed around . It will continully do this until I stop the car then its fine for a minute then it does it again . No matter what I do it keeps happening . *Ak
While driving at normal speed the rack an pinion broke. The consumer will provide further information. *Jb
Within one year of each other, both the drivers and then the pasengers door handles broke off. This seems to be a manufactures defect, as several sebring and avenger cars in our area have all experienced the same failure.*Ak
Recall to inspect the lower lateral arm ball joints and replace them if necessary.*Mr the consumer has replaced the lateral link twice prior to receiving the recall notice. *Nm
I experienced 2 failures of the control arm lower ball joint on my 1998 dodge avenger. The right side failed on 4/18/04 - I had vehicle towed to dealer for repairs, dealer denied failure was caused by recalled ball joint issue and dealer performed recall inspection on the left side at that time also. The left side then failed on 4/25, only 5 days after the dealer "inspected" the ball joint in compliance with the recall - unbelievable! This time the left wheel came off which had the potential for a severe if not...
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fatal accident! My daughter had just exited the interstate and went around a very sharp exit ramp bend. I had the vehicle towed to the dodge dealer for repairs, and again the dealer is denying the recall failure. I secured the old parts from the left side - and clearly there is corrosion in the ball joint that cause failure of the ball stud. I talked to the shop-tech doing the repair work and he commented on how you could see the corroded metal in the ball socket and then where the break occured you could see the shinny metal. I am trying to deal with daimlerchrysler corporate on reimbursement for costs of the actual repairs and for collateral damage to the tires and wheels. Beyond that however, I am greatly concerned regarding the "inspection" not catching the imminent left side failure only 5 days later - this to me demonstrates a potential flaw in the recall requirements; and, I am greatly concerned that there may be others out there that may not be as lucky as my daughter was in avoiding a very serious or fatal accident from this type of failure - I think more drastic measures should be instituted. Dave lojek.*Ak
Constant engine trouble with a 1998 dodge avenger, 77,000 miles and needs a $1800-$4500 head gasket repair. *Nm
While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front end. Dealership mechanic informed consumer that front lower arm ball joint wore out. But the problem was not yet resolved. *Ak
If my vehicle is involved in a recall, I should not have to pay to have my vehicle "diagnosed" to see if it is defective, especially when I have inspected it and know that the "ball joint" recall for my 1998 dodge avenger is a definite problem.
1998 Dodge avenger es. When I went to open the driver,s door the entire handle snapped off and was in my hand. Cheap plastic mechanism. Have to open door from the inside. Very inconvenient. Have call into a couple mechanics and dodge dealer for repair estimates. *La
The transmission went on my car - 1998 dodge avenger, 35,000 miles. 8Ak
The recall repairs regarding the ball joints failed within 1 year, consumer had to bear the financial responsibility to have them replaced. Recall # 00v421002. *Ak *jb
The vehicle was rear ended, and none of the air bags deployed. *Jb
I recently had my front-end ball joints replaced on my 1998 dodge avenger at ken nelson auto plaza in dixon, il. This problem was a recall I had done already in may of 2001. Recall #967 from nhtsa. They were suppose to put newly designed lateral arm ball joints on my vehicle at that time. The "new" ball joints didn't last one year and 8 months. I was told I had to pay for the repair this time, for which I did. The cost was $312.60. I do not believe I should be paying for the material defects that were under the original recall work which failed in such a short time.
Dodge Avenger: every year compared
All Avenger years1998 Dodge Avenger vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Dodge Avenger | 58 | 6 | B | |
| 1998 Honda Accord | 1,215 | 19 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Toyota Camry | 610 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Volkswagen Passat | 330 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Nissan Altima | 125 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Subaru Legacy | 116 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Hyundai Sonata | 50 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 976 | 6 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Avenger
Does the 1998 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Avenger: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel pump (July 2007); exterior lighting (July 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Avenger?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (17), airbags (8), brakes (7).
How many complaints has the 1998 Dodge Avenger had?
58 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 28, 1998 and the latest on February 10, 2017. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Dodge Avenger a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 72 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Dodge Avenger year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Avenger years have the most complaints?
2008 (845), 2012 (554), 2013 (548). See every Dodge Avenger year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Dodge Avenger has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data