VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Daytona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Daytona year — the 1989 model ranks #1 of 11 Daytona years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 12 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (26% of the total).

39

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

12

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Daytona years?

Daytona NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted39 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 4 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 23 complaints1989: 39 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 19 complaints1993: 17 complaints1994: 0 complaints
Daytona NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Daytona years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Daytona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1026%
Airbags821%
Electrical System513%
Steering410%
Fuel System38%
Brakes38%
Body & Structure25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Suspension13%
Transmission13%

Does the 1989 Dodge Daytona have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

92V017000BrakesFebruary 11, 1992 · 41,000 units

Defect

THE BONDED DISC BRAKE LININGS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SHOES DUE TO A BONDING DEFICIENCY WHICH MAY ALLOW CORROSION DEGRADATION OF THE BOND ATTACHMENT.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE DISC BRAKE LININGS RESULTS IN ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 15 INCH BRAKES. REPLACE ONLY THE REAR BRAKE LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 14 INCH BRAKES BECAUSE THE FRONT LININGS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE RIVETED.

89V237000EngineDecember 27, 1989 · 634,000 units

Defect

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Consequence

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. THE REPAIR CHARGE FOR THIS WORK THAT WE ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2000

“DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AT THE RIGHT CORNER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND BURNS ON HAND DUE TO EXHAUST/CHEMICAL, NO DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. *ET”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 26, 1998 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM AS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. PLEASE PROVDIE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 25, 1997 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 2, 1990 · crash

“RECEIVED RECALL ON THE ENGINE GASKET VALVE COVER # 89V237000 HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE RIGHT REAR PADS BROKE AND CAME OUT OF THE WHEEL . TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1989 Dodge Daytona — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Daytona reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 1989 model at #1 of 11 Daytona years. It is one of the Daytona years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Daytona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Daytona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Dodge Daytona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Dodge Daytona under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Daytona years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Daytona years to avoid are 1989, 1990. The cleanest record among Daytona years belongs to 1994.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.