MYRModel Year Report

1991 Dodge Spirit

◆ Worse than typical
1991 Dodge Spirit
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:40:06.010Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
96
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 66 complaints 1991: 96 complaints 1991 96 1992: 61 complaints 1993: 81 complaints 1993 1994: 87 complaints 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 2002: 1 complaint
1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 66 complaints 1990 1991: 96 complaints 1991 96 1992: 61 complaints 1992 1993: 81 complaints 1993 1994: 87 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1998: 1 complaint 1998 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1989: 21 complaints 1989 1990: 66 complaints 1990 1991: 96 complaints 1991 96 1992: 61 complaints 1992 1993: 81 complaints 1993 1994: 87 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1998: 1 complaint 1998 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1991: 96 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198921
199066
199196
199261
199381
199487
199538
19960
19981
20021

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

31% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

FIRE
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-13

Power train

18% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and universal joint.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Wheel bearing failure caused right rear wheel to fall off while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-11

While driving the sway bar broke. The sway bar broke again after welding it. Dealer suggested that entire rear axle assembly be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-09

Electrical system

14% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIRE

Air bags

13% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Vehicle speed control

8% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

CRASH
Show 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, 1995-01-17

Cruise control engaged from a parked position and caused an accident. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-06

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1990-08-24Service brakes, hydraulic90V162000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    1991Complaint volume 96 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    1991-04-14Air bags90V194000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1991-05-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-09-30 Engine speed fluctuation
  5. R
    1991-11-20Seat belts91V122000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1996-01-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-06-28 Safety blt latch operation
  7. I
    1996-05-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-10-31 Throttle will not return to the position

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V162000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 90V194000 · Air bags
  • Recall 91V122000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

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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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.