1991 Dodge Spirit
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
31% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
*OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT* THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE. CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. FUNCTIONAL DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE ENGINE AND UNDER CARRIAGE AREAS. *JG *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030213
18% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and universal joint.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE CAUSED RIGHT REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941011
WHILE DRIVING THE SWAY BAR BROKE. THE SWAY BAR BROKE AGAIN AFTER WELDING IT. DEALER SUGGESTED THAT ENTIRE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY BE REPLACED. *TT *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030109
14% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.
FIRE13% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURY DEATH8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE PARKED, PUT INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION, IMPACT 1:00 POSITION, SPEED UNKNOWN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950117
CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED FROM A PARKED POSITION AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950106
SAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
Campaign 90V162000 — check if this car was fixed
THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Remedy: REPAIR TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF FRONT IMPACT SENSORS TO BRACKETS.
Campaign 90V194000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATION
FRONT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT MAY BECOME DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND OR UNLATCH DUE TO A WEBBING STIFFENER ENTERING THE BUCKLE HOUSING AND DISLODGING THE BUCKLE LATCH GUIDE.
Remedy: REPLACE BUCKLE LATCH ENGAGEMENT.
Campaign 91V122000 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V162000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V194000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V122000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Dodge Spirit reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Dodge Spirit is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Dodge Spirit?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge Spirit have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.