1993 Dodge Shadow
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 PER YEAR
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.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DT: THE VEHCILE IS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW ES. THE PROBLEM STARTED SOMETIME IN MARCH 2001.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051014
DT: CALLER'S -HUSBAND PURCHASED DAUGHTER A USED CAR. THE WIRING ON THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND THE FUMES AND THE SMOKE ALMOST KILLED HER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050613
VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ROLLOVER/INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
15% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
FIRE14% of complaints: seats — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE AT A STOP ANOTHER VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND SLAMMED INTO CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CAME OFF OF THE FRAME. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030930
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE9% of complaints: suspension — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
SAFETY TIMELINE
INTERIOR FIRES
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
SEAT BACK FAILURE
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
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V212000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Dodge Shadow reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Dodge Shadow is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Dodge Shadow?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Dodge Shadow have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.