AI Damage1989 Dodge Daytona: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Dodge Daytona filed 34 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 34
- involving a crash
- 9
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 29% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 24% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 9% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 6% of all complaints
- 8 Wheels 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 10 complaints (29% of all).
- Air bags: 8 complaints (24% of all), 7 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (15% of all).
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 34 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The consumer's son was in an accident, and subsequently died along with two others, which was possibly due to a steering mechanism defect. The consumer requested information pertaining to the safety record of chrysler dodge daytona, specifically for the steering mechanism not operating properly or locking up while the…
She went over a speed bump, the airbag light came on and she heard a popping noise. At that time, the airbag deployed on her, but not at the normal fast speed. This caused her to run off of the road and over an embankment. The fire department was called as well as the police.
Upon impact, whole steering column collapsed; when airbag deflated, thick black smoke caused burns/chemical reaction to driver. Tt
Hatch back flew open ejecting two people sitting in rear seat, after side impact. Tt
While driving tire equipment separated from vehicle. While driving the tire came off the vehicle. As a result the vehicle sustained damage to the front quarter panel.
Item listed is nhtsa campaign id number: 89v237000. Dealer indicated that my vehicle is not covered because they could not find the recall. Called chrysler's recall center and they did not know about the recall or the governing authority of the nhtsa.
Vehicle bursted into flames while parked. Vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer will be notified.
Problem 1 #3 fuel injector cracked causing the fuel to spray onto intake manifold into a puddle (1/4
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,426 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Daytona has 12 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 34, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Daytona?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, air bags, electrical system. Total complaints: 34. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (35%), airbag warning light (6%), warning lights, check engine (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Dodge Daytona?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Dodge Daytona from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.