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1997 Dodge Avenger suspension problems

19 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    10
  • Front: control arm: upper ball joint
    4
  • Front: control arm
    2
  • Rear
    1
  • Front: macpherson strut
    1
  • Front: control arm: upper arm
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Dodge Avenger suspension problems in other years

1995200020102014

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Dodge Avenger suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 13

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported December 18, 2000 · 393,796 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
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. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.

Recall number 00V421002 · Recall details

What 1997 Dodge Avenger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Suspension · 145,050 miles · MO

After recall 967 control arm repairs, were done the problem recurred while driving 65 MPH. The front left side control arm broke. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. *ak replaced lower control arm.

Filed Apr 12, 2005 · Suspension · MI · crash · 1 injury

1997 dodge avenger ran into a tree after ball joint broke causing the axel to break.***no answer required***. *mr the accident occurred thirteen months after the ball joint recall was repaired. The consumer was not badly injured but is on muscle relaxants for whiplash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The consumer was then told that the ball joints were never replaced just inspected.

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Suspension · NY

Creaking noise from front suspension. Received recall 967 and dealer did not use any parts to correct problem. *bf the dealer stated the parts on the vehicle were not damaged. Prior to the recall notice the consumer had the ball joint replaced on the left side. The consumer tried to get the other ball joint replaced, however the dealer stated the recall had already been performed.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · CT

(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.*ak (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. I still need to take it for an alignment.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · MI · crash

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Suspension · MA

Dealership will not honor recall concerning lower and upper ball joints because it was a salvage vehicle.

Filed Jul 24, 2002 · Suspension · HI

Consumer states vehicle had a rattle that seemed to extend through the entire vehicle, dealer stated the noise was coming from the brakes, however the consumer declined these repairs, the dealer later found the problem was due to a cracked engine mount, they found a crack on the rear right side and another on the left front side, consumer had another inspection in which another person stated there were no problems with the brakes or motor mount, the problem was with the lower control arm joints, consumer had recall repairs previously, 00v421002, the independent garage made repairs to the joints and the vehicle is no longer experiencing any of the problems, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Suspension · MI

Front and rear wheel bearings have been replaced 10 times due to grinding noise.*ak consumer stated that because of moisture problem the wheel bearing has been replaced 10 times in less than three year.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Suspension · IN

Recall 00v421002 repairs on lower ball joint was done , and dealer knocked vehicle out of alignment. Also, dealer would not fix alignment for free because recall did not cover it. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated that vehicle needed an alignment. Please add VIN.

Questions about the 1997 Dodge Avenger suspension

Does the 1997 Dodge Avenger have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge Avenger, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Avenger suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Dodge Avenger suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V421002. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Avenger have bad suspension?

The Dodge Avenger model years with the most suspension complaints are 1995 (59 complaints), 1996 (59 complaints) and 1997 (19 complaints).

Other 1997 Dodge Avenger problems

Brakes 18Airbags 13Engine 10Lights 6Wheels 6Electrical 5Seat belts 4Steering 4Transmission 4Body 3Tires 3Visibility 3Locks 1

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