Equal-exposure complaint evidence and changes in the reported problem mix

1997 vs 1998 DODGE AVENGER

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Share shifts show how a vehicle's problem mix changed. They do not measure reliability, and complaint counts are not normalized for sales volume.

First 347 months on market for each model year

Exposure window calculated through Aug 22, 2026

Age-matched reports

▼ 32.9% fewer reports in the equal exposure window

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Component share shift

Bars start at the neutral midpoint. Left means a smaller share; right means a larger share.

View component share data as a table
Component 1997 share 1998 share Share change
SERVICE BRAKES 14.6% 7.3% ▼ 7.4 pts smaller share
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7.3% 1.8% ▼ 5.5 pts smaller share
FUEL SYSTEM not reported 5.5% ▲ 5.5 pts larger share
POWER TRAIN 2.4% 7.3% ▲ 4.8 pts larger share
WHEELS 3.7% 7.3% ▲ 3.6 pts larger share
SUSPENSION 22.0% 25.5% ▲ 3.5 pts larger share
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4.9% 1.8% ▼ 3.1 pts smaller share
VISIBILITY 2.4% not reported ▼ 2.4 pts smaller share
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL not reported 1.8% ▲ 1.8 pts larger share
STEERING 3.7% 5.5% ▲ 1.8 pts larger share
ENGINE 8.5% 7.3% ▼ 1.3 pts smaller share
SEAT BELTS 4.9% 3.6% ▼ 1.2 pts smaller share
TIRES 2.4% 1.8% ▼ 0.6 pts smaller share
AIR BAGS 14.6% 14.6% ▼ 0.1 pts smaller share
STRUCTURE 3.7% 3.6% ▼ 0.0 pts smaller share
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 82.9% 81.8% ▼ 1.1 pts smaller share

NHTSA Safety Recalls recalls · snapshot 2026-08-22

Recall campaigns

1997 6

Campaign components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEATS, and SUSPENSION

1998 6

Campaign components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, and SUSPENSION

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Safety signals

◆ Fires
0 → 1
◆ Injuries
19 → 12