AI Damage1989 Dodge Shadow: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Dodge Shadow filed 33 complaints with NHTSA, most often about seat belts and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 33
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Seat belts 27% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 21% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 21% of all complaints
- 4 Exterior lighting 9% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 9% of all complaints
- 6 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 6% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 6% of all complaints
- Seat belts: 9 complaints (27% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 7 complaints (21% of all).
- Powertrain: 7 complaints (21% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Exterior lighting: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Suspension: 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 · 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 33 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
Consumer states that while the car was in the park position with the ignition off that it rolled back about (4) feet crashing into rocks and trees. The parking lot was fairly leveled.
Headlights burn out often. Many bulbs from different manufacturers. Reverse lights no longer opperate.
Rear brake carrier is causing the brakes to be inoperative, needs replacement. Consumer noticed excessive wear of the front brakes and contacted dealer. Dealer indicated a tsb for the same problem, but refused to correct it.
Plastic lenses covering front headlights are discoloring, and causing poor visibility, which could lead to a vehicle collision. Seeking help from nhtsa in this matter.
No brakes. Driver's belt not fixed. Received card, saying parts are now in. Vehicle has no brakes. Seat belts not working properly. Consumer will not drive vehicle.
Valve cover gasket is leaking on the motor. Recall has been ordered , but this patricular vehicle was not included under recall. Owner has notified the manufacturer.
While driving the vehicle caught on fire under the hood, cause unknown.
Vehicle's rear control arm is broken inside and while driving a loud snapping and clicking noise is heard.
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 6,523 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Shadow has 33 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 33, about average.
What to check before buying
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Shadow?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: seat belts, engine and cooling, powertrain. Total complaints: 33. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (15%), headlights and tail lights (9%), smoke, burning smell, fire (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Dodge Shadow?
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 Shadow 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.