Dodge›Avenger›1996›2.5L/dodge/avenger/1996/2-5l/

FJ platform

1996 Dodge Avenger — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1996 Avenger 2.5L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1996 Dodge Avenger was a passenger car built on the FJ platform, motivated by a 2.5-liter engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that delivered EPA ratings of 18 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined mpg. Service specifications called for 4.5 quarts of 10W-30 or 5W-30 API oil with filter, and the model year contributed 197 owner complaints to the database, with suspension standing out as the dominant issue area and three recalls issued. Within the Avenger's broader 1995–2015 complaint arc—which peaked at 844 reports in 2008 and bottomed out at a single complaint in 2015—the 1996 model year sits in a relatively moderate position, suggesting that while this debut generation was not without its chassis-related troubles, the platform's most severe reliability deterioration lay further down the road.

Model year1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type10W-30 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy18/25/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 86 · 525 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter and thermostat are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 86 · 525 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP195-70HR14OEM · verified

Wheel / rim5.5-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05281090AB
Engine air filter	MB906051 discontinued
Fuel filter	MR188221 discontinued
Spark plug	05269899 alt 68303953AA
Battery	BB86F101AA
Front wiper blades	04723444 alt 04746318
Serpentine belt	04668223 alt 04668240
Thermostat	MD194988 discontinued · alt 04573560AE

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	187.4 in
Overall width	68.5 in
Overall height	53.1 in
Wheelbase	103.9 in
Curb weight	3124 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.1 / 59.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	64/36

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	18 / 25 / 20 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	10W-30 · API · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Clutch Pressure Plate Bolts	55.0 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	38 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	100 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	134 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	134 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	135 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	69 ft-lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts	4.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-100 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts	45 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	145-188 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	300 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.6-0.8 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	12,000-18,000 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	0.6-0.8 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	12,000-18,000 ohms

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.54-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.70-6.40 oz
Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.53-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	11-15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	180 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	47.0-51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	38.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	12 approx. @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	11-15 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13-16 na ohms

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle	36-43 ft-lbs / 65 ft-lbs / 65-80 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	36-43 ft-lbs / 65 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.312; Rear: 0.281 Specifications
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.39 in / 0.79 in / 0.94 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.39 in / 0.79 in / 0.94 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.33 in / 0.72 in / 0.88 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 7 stages

1	Long bolts	25 ft. lbs
2	Short bolts	20 ft. lbs
3	Long bolts	50 ft. lbs
4	Short bolts	20 ft. lbs
5	Long bolts	50 ft. lbs
6	Short bolts	20 ft. lbs
7	All bolts	90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 15,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Power Steering System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Distributor Cap (inspect) · Distributor Rotor (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Timing Belt (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 1996 the Avenger recorded 197 federal complaints, a modest decline from the 233 complaints seen in 1995, and it posted the same three recalls as the prior year while reducing investigations from three to one. Compared with the later model years, 1996 sits near the early‑generation low point of complaints before a sharp dip in 1997‑2000, after which the record shows a resurgence of complaints and recalls in the 2008‑2014 window. The most frequent issues in 1996 were suspension (56 reports), service brakes/hydraulics (18), engine cooling (15) and power‑train (13), with relatively few crash‑related (21) and fire‑related (3) complaints. This pattern suggests that while 1996 does not exhibit the heightened problem spikes of the mid‑2000s, it still carries a noticeable volume of suspension and brake concerns. **Takeaway:** 1996 is an average‑risk year—better than the later high‑complaint years but not as clean as the low‑complaint early‑2000s, so buyers should budget for possible suspension or brake work.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

197

Owner complaints

21 involved a crash · 3 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’95’96’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 197 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension56

Service Brakes, Hydraulic18

Engine & Engine Cooling15

Power Train13

Electrical System12

Exterior Lighting7

Air Bags7

Seat Belts7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

07E055000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 26/07/2007

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… 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.

00V421002Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball JointReported 18/12/2000

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 72 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
08-049-20	2020-04-22	Electrical System	Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
3100519	2019-11-20	Structure	Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
3100619	2019-11-20	Structure	Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…
3100319	2019-11-20	Structure	Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
31-006-19	2019-11-20	Structure	Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Avenger. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 86 battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt w/ filter FJ-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05281090AB Engine air filter MB906051 Fuel filter MR188221 Spark plug 05269899

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1996 Avenger 2.5L take?

4.5 qt w/ filter of ABOVE -10F: 10W-30 API, BELOW 100F: 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1996 Avenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.