Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 124 of 157 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Suspension
67 complaint records5 crash reports
"AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE BALL JOINTS 99 V 066 000 WAS COMPLETE THE BALL JOINT FAILED AND DAMAGED OTHER COMPONENTS. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Brakes
32 complaint records3 crash reports
"WHEN APPLING THE BRAKES TO STOP THERE IS VIBRATION BECAUSE THE FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED . PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
27 complaint records
"PLEASE IF ANYONE IS HAVING THIS TROUBLE WITH THERE CAR EMAIL ME AT GRODON24@LEXCOMINC.NET THANKS NEED EVERYONE THAT IS HAVING TROUBLE..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ00015 opened Aug 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Suspension | LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT - led to recall 99V066004 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V421002 | Suspension | 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. | Normally free |
| 99V066003 | Suspension | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001062 2001-03-09 | Steering | 18,687 | On certain vehicles, the lower lateral arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication. There is a potential for moisture to leak past the protective boot which can cause the ball stud to corrode. |
| 1999144 1999-07-30 | Steering | 10,789 | On certain vehicles, the rubber boot on the lower lateral ball joint could be damaged, allowing the intrusion of dirt and water, leading to extraordinary wear on the ball joint and possible separation. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 0804000 Dec 2000 | Seats | INFORMATION ON NEW COMPONENTS AND A REPAIR PROCEDURE DEVELOPED TO REPLACE FAILED SEAT SLIDE MOTORS. *TT | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 084699 Dec 1999 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT AND DOME LIGHT MAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 090799 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING 2.5L V-6 HEAD GASKET APPLICATION. *TT | |
| 090899 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 210599A Sep 1999 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 020299 Apr 1999 | Suspension | VEHICLES EXHIBITING FRONT COIL SPRING CREAKING, POPPING, OR SQUEAKING. *TT | |
| 210699 Apr 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT | |
| 210599 Mar 1999 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 210499 Feb 1999 | Power Train | SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT | |
| 190199 Jan 1999 | Steering | PROCEDURES ON ALIGNING THE POWER STEERING BELT. *TT | |
| 081798 Dec 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 050898 Dec 1998 | Service Brakes | EXHIBITTING A CONDITON WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES OR THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK | |
| 250298 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC | |
| 234998 Oct 1998 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES EXHIBIT A WHISTLE ( WINDNOISE) COMING FROM THE " A " PILLAR AREA. *YC | |
| 183298 Sep 1998 | Structure | SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC | |
| 9841 Aug 1998 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A WHINE OR MOAN NOISE COMING FROAM THE FUEL TANK AREA. *YC | |
| 210298 Jun 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC / DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS, TRANSAXLE THAT INCORPORATES A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) ONLY. REDUCES A SHUDDER CONDITION THAT MAY BE EXPERIENCED DURING LIGHT THROTTLE 1-2 UPSHIFT. *AK | |
| 020798 Jun 1998 | Suspension | CONDITIONS WITH LIGHT KNOCKING OR TAPPING NOISE BEING HEARD FROM THE REAR SHOCK REAR WHILE TRAVELING OVER BUMPS. *YC | |
| 232398 Jun 1998 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING. *YC | |
| 210798 Apr 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK | |
| 020298 Apr 1998 | Suspension | A SQUEAKING OR HARD RUBBING NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING OVER BUMPS. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 180598 Feb 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | DISCUSSION: REGARDING IDLER AIR FLOW TEST FOR ABOVE MODELS LISTED MAY INDICATE AN ERRONEOUS FAILURE DUE TO INABILITY OF POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE TO HOLD THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR STABLE DURING TEST SEQUENCE. *AK | |
| 090997 Dec 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM | |
| 140897 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM | |
| 250297 Jul 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *YC | |
| 233897 Jun 1997 | Unknown Or Other | KEYLESS ENTRY TRANSMITTER DIAGNOSTICS. *TW | |
| 182297 Jun 1997 | Electrical System | MIL ILLUMINATION WITH HEX CODE $3A. *TW | |
| 220197 Jun 1997 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM | |
| 082097 May 1997 | Equipment | DISCUSSING ROLLING CODE TECHNOLOGY AND IT'S FEATURES ON GARAGE DOOR OPENERS. *YC | |
| 210997 May 1997 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 181897 May 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH OBDII READINESS CODE RETENTION, FRDERAL PACKAGES. *NLM | |
| 181697 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS ON ERRONEOUS MI; ILLUMINATION WITH HEX CODES $6A, ERRONEOUS PCM RESETS, SHIFT CYCLING, COLD ENGINE STUMBLE. *NLM | |
| 970314210597 Mar 1997 | Power Train | CONDITION WITH TRANAXLE SHUDDER DURING A 3RD GEAR TO 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ( ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) ENGAGEMENT, 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC TO 4TH GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ENGAGEMENT, OR 4TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR EMCC ENGAGEMENT. *YC | |
| 190597 Mar 1997 | Steering | CONCERNS WITH POWER STEERING BELT ALIGNMENT. *NLM | |
| 210597 Mar 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM | |
| 180897 Feb 1997 | Electrical System | SAG/HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, OR ENGINE MISS. *TW | |
| 180997 Feb 1997 | Power Train | VEHICLE SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER EMCC (LOCK UP) OPERATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 38. *TW | |
| 181097 Feb 1997 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AND/OR MIL ILLUMINATED. *TW | |
| 230797 Feb 1997 | Structure | DOOR TRIM DEFROSTER GARNISH SERVICE. *TW |
Showing 60 of 69 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Avenger →