Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1989 Dodge Dynasty sits mid-pack among Dynasty years: 74 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 74, with a single recall and one closed investigation.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (32% of the total).
74
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 24 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 18 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 11% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TRAVELING TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO HALT UNEXPECTEDLY, LOSING THE TOP GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, PAID OVER $100.00 FOR SAID INSPECTION AND THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT $3200.00 THEY NEGLECTED TO INFORM ME OF THE MANY RECALLS ON THIS TRANSMISSION, AND WOULD NOT…”
“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. I WOULD ASSUME…”
“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. DEALERSHIP NOTICED METAL SHAVING…”
“01MAR99: HAD PARKED & LEFT VEHICLE IDLING. RETURNED HEARD NOISE. ARRIVED HOME & NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER HOOD. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & EXTINGUISEHD THE FLAMES. INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER HOOD. HAD HAPPENEDED AGAIN ON MAY 11,Y99. SAME PROBLEM & FIRE.…”
It is close to typical for the Dynasty: 74 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (24 complaints), engine (18 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Dodge Dynasty. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Dynasty years to avoid are 1992, 1991, 1993. The cleanest record among Dynasty years belongs to 1997.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.