2000 Dodge Avenger

The 2000 Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options including the 2.4L I4 and 2.7L V6 engines mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Avenger was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price, but it also had some notable issues.

Engine

• 2.4L I4
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt can break, causing the engine to seize up and potentially leading to catastrophic damage. Symptoms include rough running, decreased engine power, and a rattling noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt and any other damaged components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.7L V6
  • Oil leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear main seal or oil pan gasket can fail, causing oil to leak from the engine. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle and a burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking seal or gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
  • Shifting problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip, hesitate, or refuse to shift gears. Symptoms can include difficulty accelerating, shuddering or jerking during shifts, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front struts
  • Strut mount failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The strut mount can fail, causing a clunking or rattling noise over bumps. Symptoms include excessive tire wear, poor handling, and a decrease in ride quality.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing the vehicle to fail to start. Symptoms include dim headlights, slow engine cranking, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the battery and check for any electrical drains.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlights
  • Headlight switch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not turn on or to remain on constantly. Symptoms include inoperable headlights and a discharge of the battery.
    • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument cluster
  • Gauge cluster failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The gauge cluster may malfunction, causing the gauges to display inaccurate information or to fail completely. Symptoms include erratic or inaccurate readings from the gauges.
    • Solution: Replace the gauge cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2000 Dodge Avenger has some common issues, including timing belt failure, oil leaks, transmission problems, and electrical issues. Some of these issues can be costly to repair, so it’s important to be aware of them and to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. Overall, the Avenger is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it may require some repairs over time.