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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 21 |
| 1990 | 63 |
| 1991 | 95 |
| 1992 | 58 |
| 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.
4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
3 of 21 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR SWAY BAR SNAPPED. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950605
2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: steering.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING
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.
Campaign 89V237000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WIT
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.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:engine, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Dodge Spirit have?
2 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.