MYRModel Year Report

1994 Dodge Shadow

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Dodge Shadow
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:54:35.227Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
95
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

19% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 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 95 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 1991: 89 complaints 1991 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1993 1994: 95 complaints 1994 95 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 1991: 89 complaints 1991 1992: 73 complaints 1992 1993: 108 complaints 1993 1994: 95 complaints 1994 95 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999

1994: 95 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.

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Air bags

16% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle was approaching through a light at 10 miles per hour when it was involved in a front impact collision, and driver's side air bag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-29

Car involved in head on collision and driver side airbag did not deploy. Please describe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-20

Power train

14% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Electrical, tail lamp, brake lamp wiring, and wiring harness.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-13

Seats

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1994Complaint volume 95 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1996-01-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-06-28 Safety blt latch operation
  3. I
    1999-05-13Recall queryClosed 2000-02-02 Seat back failure
  4. R
    1999-08-23Seats99V212000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2003-05-07Defect petitionClosed 2003-07-22 Steering column separation

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V212000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1994 Dodge Shadow reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge Shadow is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge Shadow?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge Shadow have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.