1990 Dodge Spirit
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 66
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1990: 66 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
29% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Continuous transmission failures/repairs.
NHTSA ODI report, 1993-08-13
Air bags
24% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
False deployment of driver's airbag, causing injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-25
Airbag deployed, however did not inflate during front end collision; vehicle hit a deer on highway. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-29
Entire front end totalled w/air bag not deploying. Please describe details. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-09
Electrical system
23% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and switch.
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Cracked engine head, causing vehicle to stall.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-29
Engine valve cover/gaskets failed prior to recall (89V-237).
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-15
Suspension
9% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing rear and multiple axle.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
1990 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 15 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 1990 Dodge Spirit reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Dodge Spirit is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Dodge Spirit?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 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.