AI Damage1989 Dodge Dynasty: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Dodge Dynasty filed 55 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 55
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 40% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 27% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 15% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 9% of all complaints
- 6 Seat belts 5% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 5% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 4% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 22 complaints (40% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 15 complaints (27% of all).
- Service brakes: 8 complaints (15% of all).
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (9% of all).
- Steering: 5 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.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 55 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 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.
Vehicle has been leaking oil from gasket into ac compressor, we have replaced it twice and it still leaks. Researching online there is a recall for it 89v237000 that describes the problem exactly. I called the dealership, who researched my vin and said that my vehicle is unaffected.
The contact stated he noticed oil leaking form the vehicle while the engine was shut off. The dealer advised there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the valve cover gasket was replaced. The repair did not correct the failure.
Consumer complained about brake failure while driving. The brakes failed to stop vehicle when the pedal was depressed. Consumer had to pull into a parking lot and coast to a complete stop. Upon inspection of the brake pads and lines by the dealership they were fine.
For risk of fire? And, is this not to be completed at licensed chrysler dealer-mechanic shop, and supplied by and paid in full, by chrysler? 'they' claim: "no". Please advice accordingly-per e mail and,or writing u.s. Mail. Thank you! Ly'; per recall.
Smoke from dashboard/ drivers side, #14 fuse is open. Replaced pink/black wire from fuse panel to headlight switch.. #14 switch continues to open intermittantly. Replaced all parking/tail lamps. Fuse continues to open intermittantly. Checked license plate lamps, found (l) lamp socket shorted.
Loud clunking noise when shifting auto transmission into drive or reverse from park. Serviced transmission fluid and oilchange @150,590m, at which time attendant @ svc. Station informed me that two motor mounts were broken/missing, and that immediate service of components was necessary.
He was able to pull over and lifted hood, and battery was on fire. Dealership was aware of problem.
Abs braking system malfunctioned, causing the brake pedal to be "hard," and have extended stopping distance which may result in a crash.
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 5,078 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 14% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Dynasty has 46 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 55, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Dynasty?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine and cooling, service brakes. Total complaints: 55. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (15%), oil leak or consumption (9%), steering or power steering problems (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Dodge Dynasty?
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 Dynasty 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.