1989 Dodge Shadow
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.
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 34 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
26% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
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, 1995-10-02
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Power train
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-11
Exterior lighting
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Suspension
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing rear and shock absorber.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-02-21Engine and engine cooling89V237000 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.
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I
1991-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-08-30 Steering gear bolts loosen
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I
1991-06-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-30 Auto shoulder belt failure
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I
1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-04-20 Auto shoulder belt failure
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R
1992-12-28Seat belts92V053000 The automatic shoulder restraint systems can malfunction and become inoperative.
Remedy: Replace the system drive and rail assembly with revised components.
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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
1989 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 92V053000 · Seat belts
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.