MYRModel Year Report

1989 Dodge Shadow

▲ Better than typical
1989 Dodge Shadow
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:31:15.243Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Shadow Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1987: 12 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 34 complaints 1989 1990: 41 complaints 1990 1991: 89 complaints 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1994: 95 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 1999
1989: 34 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19861
198712
198812
198934
199041
199189
199273
1993108
199495
19951
19960
19972
19981
19991

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 26%

26% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

#92V053000 RECEIVE RECALL TOOK TO DEALER SAID IT WAS FIXED BUT CONSUMER SAID ITS NOT SHE GOT HURT FROM THIS PROBLEM . TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE IGNITION OFF THAT IT ROLLED BACK ABOUT (4) FEET CRASHING INTO ROCKS AND TREES. THE PARKING LOT WAS FAIRLY LEVELED. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 19960911

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and shock absorber.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900221 — engine and engine cooling

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Campaign 89V237000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19910416 — PE (closed 19910830)

STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN

I 19910605 — PE (closed 19911030)

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19920420)

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

R 19921228 — seat belts

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

R 20080522 — suspension

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

1989 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V053000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ● 1992 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ● 1991

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Dodge Shadow reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Dodge Shadow is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Shadow?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 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.