1994 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 | 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: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISION AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950120
10% of complaints: seats — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AUTO-TRAN: THROTTLE STUCK; MOTOR SEEMED TO BE SCREAMING; BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR; RAN INTO JEEP; JEEP RAN INTO ANOTHER TRUCK; HEARD NOISE COMING OFF RAMP. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950123
4% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1994 Dodge Shadow — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 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 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 air bags:frontal, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge Shadow have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.