VehicleVerdict

1990 Dodge Daytona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Daytona year — the 1990 model ranks #2 of 11 Daytona years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (5), transmission (4), and electrical system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

31

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Daytona years?

Daytona NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Daytona years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Dodge Daytona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine516%
Transmission413%
Electrical System310%
Seat Belts26%
Brakes26%
Other26%
Airbags26%
Seats26%
Body & Structure26%
Suspension26%
Lighting13%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Latches & Locks13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 1990 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.

90V080000AirbagsApril 25, 1990 · 257 units

Defect

AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES MAY NOT CONTAIN DIFFUSER HOLES BETWEEN THE IGNITOR AND PROPELLANT CHAMBERS.

Consequence

AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN IMPACT SITUATION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DRIVER INJURY.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WITH PROPERLY MACHINED MODULES.

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.

“CONSUMER HAD JUST GOTTEN INTO VEHICLE AND STARTED IT UP AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD GET THERE T VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF RECALL 89V237000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 467 WOULD APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 4, 2001 · fire

“THIS TRANSMISSION WAS A DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPLACED AT 14,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 90,000 MILES AT MY COAST (1400.00 DOLLARS) THIS WAS THE SAME TRANS.(THE 41T) THAT CHRYSLAR HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH. NOW THE TRANS. THAT THE TRANS SHOP PUT IN IS FAILING AT 117,00…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 23, 1991

“WHEN STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM IGNITION AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2001 · fire

“DRIVING TO MOTHER'S HOUSE, AT STOP SIGN, VEHICLE WAS REARENDED, PASSENGER WENT INTO DASHBOARD, PASSENGER SEAT BELT BROKE, REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 15, 1996 · crash

1990 Dodge Daytona — common questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Daytona reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1990 model at #2 of 11 Daytona years. It is one of the Daytona years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Daytona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 Dodge Daytona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Dodge Daytona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Dodge Daytona under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.