Dodge›Avenger›1998›2.0L/dodge/avenger/1998/2-0l/
FJ platform

1998 Dodge Avenger — 2.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Avenger 2.0L.

Engine 2.0LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1998 Dodge Avenger 2.0L rides on the FJ platform and pairs a 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder with a four‑speed automatic. It calls for 4.5 quarts of oil with filter (10W‑30/5W‑30 API) and returns EPA ratings of 19 city, 27 highway, 22 combined mpg. Owner‑reported complaints for the 1998 model total 60, with suspension leading the list and six recalls issued, placing this year well below the 2008 peak of 844 complaints across the 1995‑2015 span. The comparatively low complaint count suggests the 1998 Avenger is among the more trouble‑free entries in the lineup, though the suspension focus and recall record still warrant attention.

Model year19991998199719961995

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 economy19/27/22 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 Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter, front wiper blades and thermostat are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known.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; Optional: 6-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter05281090AB
Engine air filterMB906051 discontinued
Fuel filterMR188221 discontinued
Spark plug68303953AA alt 05269899
BatteryBB86F101AA
Front wiper blades04746318 discontinued · alt 04723444
Serpentine belt04668223 alt 05096315AA
ThermostatMD194988 discontinued · alt 04573560AE

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.6 in
Overall width68.5 in
Overall height53.1 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight2888 lb
Track (front / rear)59.1 / 59.1 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined19 / 27 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular 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 FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil10W-30 · API · 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or StudsM6 Bolts: 9 ft-lbs, M8 Bolts: 20 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)Turbo: 65.0, Non-Turbo: 75.0 ft-lbs
Clutch Pressure Plate Bolts68.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts100 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts105 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts55 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts85-100 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts18.0-25.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)950 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)350 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.51-.61 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance11,500-13,500 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.033-0.038 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.54-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.70-6.40 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.53-1.63 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief16 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature195 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)46.0-50.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)47.0-50.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 approx. @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11-15 na ohms
Injector Primary Resistance13-16 na ohms

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle36-43 ft-lbs / 65 ft-lbs / 65-80 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket36-43 ft-lbs / 65 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.312; Rear: 0.281 Specifications
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.39 in / 0.79 in / 0.94 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.39 in / 0.79 in / 0.94 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.33 in / 0.72 in / 0.88 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 7 stages
1Long bolts25 ft. lbs
2Short bolts20 ft. lbs
3Long bolts50 ft. lbs
4Short bolts20 ft. lbs
5Long bolts50 ft. lbs
6Short bolts20 ft. lbs
7All bolts90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Long bolts25 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 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 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Power Steering System (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miAccessory 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 miFuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect) · Spark Plug Wires (inspect)
Every 100,000 miTiming 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 requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter 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 neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe 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.

The first generation of the Dodge Avenger showed a strong downward trend in consumer complaints, falling from 233 in 1995 to just 31 by 2000. The 1998 model falls near the end of this improving arc with 60 complaints, a significant decrease compared to the 1995-1997 period. While 1998 shares a peak of 6 recalls with the 1997 model, it saw a reduction in TSBs to 62. Top complaint areas for 1998 included suspension (13), air bags (6), power train (4), and wheels (4), alongside 14 crash complaints and 1 fire complaint; however, the data does not specify the root causes for these issues. Because it represents a substantial improvement in reliability over the generation's early years, 1998 is a good year to buy.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
62
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
60
Owner complaints
14 involved a crash · 1 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 60 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension13
Air Bags6
Power Train4
Wheels4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Steering3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Structure2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

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… 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…

06E064000Exterior LightingReported 17/07/2006

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… 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 62 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
90042752020-07-22Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
08-049-202020-04-22Electrical SystemCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
31005192019-11-20StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
31006192019-11-20StructureRepair 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 batteryVehicles taking 4.5 qt w/ filterFJ-platform vehiclesEngine oil filter 05281090ABEngine air filter MB906051Fuel filter MR188221Spark plug 68303953AA

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Avenger 2.0L take?

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

Does the 1998 Avenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.0L get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpg.