MYRModel Year Report

1990 Dodge Shadow

▲ Better than typical
1990 Dodge Shadow
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:31:09.114Z

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. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1987: 12 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 34 complaints 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
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%

37% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

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 22%

22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19950103

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and SUSPENSION

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE
STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH FIRE 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 (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train 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, 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.