MYRModel Year Report

1990 Dodge Shadow

▲ Better than typical
1990 Dodge Shadow
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:14.249Z

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
41
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

37% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 12 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 34 complaints 1990: 41 complaints 1990 41 1991: 89 complaints 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1994: 95 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 12 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 34 complaints 1989 1990: 41 complaints 1990 41 1991: 89 complaints 1991 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1993 1994: 95 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 12 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 34 complaints 1989 1990: 41 complaints 1990 41 1991: 89 complaints 1991 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1993 1994: 95 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999

1990: 41 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.

Air bags

37% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2003-11-16

Engine and engine cooling

22% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine motor mounts failed, resulting in engine noise.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and suspension

Power train

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.

Electrical system

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE

Steering

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1993-04-21Engineering analysisClosed 1994-07-22 Steering wheel separation
  3. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

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, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have?
2 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.