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1997 Dodge Avenger ES

The 1997 Dodge Avenger ES is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual. It starts at $18,125 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

The Avenger measures 190.4 inches long on a 103.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,989 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$18,125 ($36,702 *)
Engine
Engine TypeGas I4
Displacement2 L
Horsepower140 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Injection TypeSequential Multiport Fuel Injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
1st Gear3.54
2nd Gear2.13
3rd Gear1.36
4th Gear1.03
5th Gear0.81
Reverse3.42
Final Drive3.94
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded
Tank Capacity16.9 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionMultilink, Independent
Rear SuspensionMultilink, Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar0.75 in
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.59 in
Brakes
Front Brake Disc10.0 x 0.9 in
Rear Brake Disc10.3 x 0.4 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 x 6.0 in
Wheels Rear16 x 6.0 in
Tires FrontP205/55HR16
Tires RearP205/55HR16
Dimensions & Weight
Length190.4 in
Width69.1 in
Height53 in
Wheelbase103.7 in
Front Track59.5 in
Rear Track59.3 in
Cargo Volume13.1 ft³
Curb Weight2,989 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1997 Dodge Avenger 2-DR.

Recalls

6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge AVENGER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 11, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 09E025000

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

Jul 26, 2007 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 07E055000

Jul 17, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 06E064000

Dec 18, 2000 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 00V421002

Aug 8, 1997 · 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.

Consequence: THE HEADREST SUPPORT BRACKET CAN BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign 97V081002

89 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge AVENGER

Owner Complaints

89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Dodge AVENGER (16 mention a crash, 13 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Suspension20
Hydraulic19
Service Brakes19
Air Bags14
Engine And Engine Cooling9
Exterior Lighting8
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 24, 2012 · Wheels
“WE HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THESE RIMS. I AM ABOUT TO RETIRE MY THIRD WHEEL FROM THIS CAR. THE WHEEL LOOKS GOOD, BUT IT JUST CAN'T HOLD AIR DUE TO THE RIM BENDING RIGHT AT THE BEAD OR…”
Sep 26, 2007 · Exterior Lighting
“THE ORIGINAL HEAD LIGHTS ARE WARN, DETERIORATED, AND DON'T LAMINATE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HIGH BEAMS ARE EQUAL TO ALL OTHER CARS LOW BEAMS. THE LUMIUNS DON'T GET OUT, BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE LENS COVER…”
Dec 26, 2006 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“I OWN A 1997 DODGE AVENGER I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IT HAS THE 2.0 DOHC 4 CYL ENGINE THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING ON IT AND I ALMOST RAN IT OUT OF OIL. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A DEFAULT HEAD GASKET FROM…”
Jan 9, 2006 · Latches/Locks/Linkages
“1997 DODGE AVENGER HOOD POPPED UP SHATTERING WINDSHIELD. *TS THERE WAS DAMAGE FROM A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE HOOD TO IMPROPERLY LATCH DOWN. *JB”
May 6, 2005 · Suspension
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 DODGE AVENGER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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