MYRModel Year Report

1990 Dodge Shadow

▲ Better than typical
1990 Dodge Shadow
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:13:22.155Z

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, 1990 highlighted. 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 1 complaints 1987: 12 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1989: 33 complaints 1989 1990: 40 complaints 1990 1991: 89 complaints 1991 1992: 73 complaints 1993: 107 complaints 1993 1994: 94 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 1999
1990: 40 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19861
198712
198812
198933
199040
199189
199273
1993107
199494
19951
19960
19972
19981
19991

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 33%

33% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY DAUGHTER HIT A POT HOLE, HER AIR BAG DEPLOYED GIVING HER A VERY BRUISED FACE, SWOLLEN, BLACK EYE, NUMEROUS SCRATCHES AND CUTS AND A BURNED HAND. HER CAR IS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL EXCEPT FOR THE AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031116

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED, RESULTING IN ENGINE NOISE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950103

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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 19930421 — EA (closed 19940722)

STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION

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

1990 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ● 1992 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ● 1991

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Dodge Shadow reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Dodge Shadow is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Dodge Shadow?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.