AI Damage1993 Dodge Spirit: common problems
Owners of the 1993 Dodge Spirit filed 81 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 81
- involving a crash
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 21% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 17% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 9% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 9% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 7% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 17 complaints (21% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Suspension: 14 complaints (17% of all).
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (16% of all).
- Powertrain: 9 complaints (11% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 7 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
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 81 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 | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 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.
While driving 65 mph, the cruise control was engaged and set itself to 90 mph without warning. The consumer was able to decelerate the vehicle to 30 mph. This problem caused a minor rear end collision. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Air bags did not deploy after a really bad impact. Also, seat belt buckles did not lock properly.dealer was notified.
Front crash 35 mph, driver's airbag deployed, and a 3 inch piece of hard plastic hit driver in face and caused injury.
Vehicle caught on fire in engine compartment while parked. There were no injuries. Engine oil ignited when engine padding got heated by engine.
During frontal impact, the driver's side air bag did not deploy.
When started the car put into drive gas pedal went to the floor consumer hit a truck . Tt
When the vehicle was taken to the service department they noticed the gas lines were corroded on both sides. If they were to be taken off they will crumble. Contacted chrysler to acquire new lines. They were no longer being made. Chrysler stated the parts only have to be supplied for seven years.
The brake lights came on and remained on while driving due to the throttle taking over. While driving the vehicle throttle became stuck open. Although the vehicle's brake was being depressed the vehicle continued to accelerate.
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 4,046 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 11% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Spirit has 49 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 81, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Dodge Spirit?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, suspension, electrical system. Total complaints: 81. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (11%), stalls while driving (10%), headlights and tail lights (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1993 Dodge Spirit?
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 1993 Dodge Spirit 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 1993 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.