1991 Dodge Shadow
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 40 |
| 1991 | 89 |
| 1992 | 73 |
| 1993 | 107 |
| 1994 | 94 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: seats — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SIDE SEATBACK DID NOT HOLD DURING AN ACCIDENT BUT FLOPPED BACK AND FORTH. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950503
10% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030319
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOYED UPON 12:00 COLLISION AT 15-20 MPH. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950522
AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED DRIVER SWEATER TO CATCH FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950117
8% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file.
INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
Campaign 90V162000 — check if this car was fixed
THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Remedy: REPAIR TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF FRONT IMPACT SENSORS TO BRACKETS.
Campaign 90V194000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT BACK FAILURE
SEAT BACK BOLT FAILURE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE
Campaign 96V229000 — check if this car was fixed
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Campaign 97V078000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Campaign 99V212000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V162000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V194000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V229000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V078000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V212000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Dodge Shadow reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Dodge Shadow is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Dodge Shadow?
The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:recliner, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge Shadow have?
5 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.