VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Raider problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1989 Dodge Raider — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Raider years?

Raider NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted12 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 11 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 11 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints
Raider NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Raider years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Raider problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts873%
Tires & Wheels218%
Visibility & Wipers19%

Does the 1989 Dodge Raider have recalls?

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

95V103003Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 920,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

93E023000Trailer HitchJuly 22, 1993 · 670 units

Defect

THE WELD ON THE RECEIVER UNIT OF THE TRAILER HITCH CAN BREAK.

Consequence

IF THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE TRAILER CAN SEPARATE FROM THETOWING VEHICLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH.

89V027000Speed ControlFebruary 28, 1989 · 4,300 units

Defect

THROTTLE BLADE ICING MAY OCCUR DURING EXTENDED HIGHWAY DRIVING AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 10 DEGREES F.

Consequence

ICE FORMATION CAN PREVENT THROTTLE BLADE FROM CLOSINGTO THE IDLE POSTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, CREATING APOTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL ANCHOR PLATE UNDER BASE OF THROTTLE; HEATED ENGINE COOLANT WILL BE FLOWED THROUGH AN ADAPTER PLATE TO ELIMINATE ICE FORMATION ON THE THROTTLE BLADE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS ANCHORED TO A PLATE WHICH IS PART OF THE REAR WHEEL WELL. NORMAL WHEEL WELL CORROSION CAUSES THIS PLATE TO BREAK FREE, RENDERING REAR BELTS USELESS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 14, 2004

“FIRESTONE STEEL RADIAL 500, LR78-15, DOTVDV4FNJ283 ON DODGE, RAIDER 1989. SPARE TIRE TREAD IS PEALING AWAY FROM TIRE.*AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 1, 2001

“WINDSHIELD WIPER MECHANISM JAMS WHERE MOTOR LOADED, BOLTS GET LOOSE WHERE WIPER MOVES UP/DOWN, HOLE IN SHEET METAL THAT HOLDS WIPER GETS LARGER, CAUSING WIPER TO JAM UNDER WINDSHIELD, CRACKED WINDSHIELD, IMPAIRS DRIVER'S VISION, MOSTLY IN WINTER MONTHS.AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 12, 1995

1989 Dodge Raider — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Raider reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Raider problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (8 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Raider have recalls?

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

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.