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
- 12
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 12 complaints
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
6 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and injectors.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel is leaking in the carburetor, causing the vehicle to catch on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-17
Fuel regulator hose failed, causing engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Seats
2 of 12 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-08
Electrical system
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module and ignition.
Seat belts
1 of 12 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-11-15Fuel system, gasoline88V105000 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.
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R
1989-07-14Parking brake89V038000 Parking brake mechanism component may disengage.
Remedy: Replace parking brake assembly.
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I
1991-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-08-30 Steering gear bolts loosen
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R
2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V105000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 89V038000 · Parking brake
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.