1987 Dodge Shadow
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 34 |
| 1990 | 41 |
| 1991 | 89 |
| 1992 | 73 |
| 1993 | 108 |
| 1994 | 95 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and injectors.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUEL IS LEAKING IN THE CARBURETOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19960517
FUEL REGULATOR HOSE FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
FIRE2 of 12 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISON AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, ALSO BROKE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960408
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module and ignition.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
Campaign 88V105000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 89V038000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WIT
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V038000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Dodge Shadow reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Shadow?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Dodge Shadow have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.