1988 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: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SEAT BELTS FAILED ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING AN INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970918
THE SAFETY RESTRAINT MOTOR IS ON RECALL AND THE OWNERS DEALERSHIP ARE HAVING A PROBLEM GETIING THE PART. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950209
4 of 12 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle assembly and automatic transmission.
3 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950518
2 of 12 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND, WHO WAS MECHANIC, FOUND THAT RACK AND PINION WAS MISSING ONE MOUNTING BOLT AND THE OTHER ONE WAS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040806
1 of 12 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LAP BELT RETRACTOR, WHICH INCORPORATES A CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKING FEATURE, MAY MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LAP RETRACTOR WITH A REDESIGNED RETRACTOR.
Campaign 88V129000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.
Campaign 92V053000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1988 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V129000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V053000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Dodge Shadow?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 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.