1989 Dodge Spirit
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 66 |
| 1991 | 96 |
| 1992 | 61 |
| 1993 | 81 |
| 1994 | 87 |
| 1995 | 38 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
5 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Power train
5 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle assembly and automatic transmission.
Suspension
3 of 21 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Show complaint excerpts
Rear sway bar snapped. Please explain. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-05
Service brakes
2 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle shut off while driving and gas tank caught on fire.the trunk near rear seat was on flames.this occured with no warning. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-27
Consumer states vehicle would accelerate intermittently while driving. Vehicle taken to the dealer and informed that the problem was the idle control motor.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-30
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1989-01-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-31 Transmission downshifting
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R
1990-02-21Engine and engine cooling89V237000 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.
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R
2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Dodge Spirit reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Spirit?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Dodge Spirit have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.