1994 Dodge Spirit

◆ Worse than typical

1994 Dodge Spirit
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:34:57.426Z

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 PER YEAR

1994: 87 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 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

SEAT BELTS 16%

16% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S THUMB WAS CUT WHEN DEPRESSING RELEASE BUTTON OF DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT.

NHTSA ODI report, 19950518

MOTHER WAS KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT WHEN SHOULDER BELT BECAME DETACHED FROM VICTIM. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950412

PASSENGER SIDE LOCK, THE BOX PRESS TO DISENGAGE, FAULTY CAUGHT FINGER IN BOX CAUSING INJURIES. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950323

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

1994 DODGE SPIRIT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. CONSUMER STATES HE PULLED OVER WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS THEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. *KB THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080522

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and non-powered axle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM REAR AXLE, AND THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20020916

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH IN RESULT OF A VEHICLE CRASH CONSUMER AIR BAG DEPLOY AND CAUGHT PASSENGER COAT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

NHTSA ODI report, 20021209

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1994 — complaint volume: 87

R 19940518 — seat belts

THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORS (BUCKLE LOCK BARS) DO NOT MEET THE STATIC LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Remedy: THE TRAVELING SAFETY BELT LOCK BAR ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED ON THESE VEHICLES.

Campaign 94V023000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19960125 — PE (closed 19960628)

SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION

I 20030507 — DP (closed 20030722)

STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Dodge Spirit — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (14 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 94V023000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ● 1992 ● 1990

WORST YEARS

◆ 1991 ● 1993 ● 1990

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Dodge Spirit reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Dodge Spirit is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Dodge Spirit?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Dodge Spirit have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.