Dodge Shadow years to avoid
The Dodge Shadow years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1991, 1992, 1990, 1989 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1996 is the cleanest year on record.
598
Total complaints
12
Recall campaigns
1985–1999
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Shadow years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | High complaint rate | 137 | |
| 1993 | High complaint rate | 135 | |
| 1991 | High complaint rate | 113 | |
| 1992 | High complaint rate | 81 | |
| 1990 | High complaint rate | 50 | |
| 1989 | High complaint rate | 42 |
Every Shadow year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1994avoid | 137 | 1 | |
| 1993avoid | 135 | 1 | |
| 1992avoid | 81 | 4 | |
| 1991avoid | 113 | 5 | |
| 1990avoid | 50 | 2 | |
| 1989avoid | 42 | 3 | |
| 1988 | 19 | 3 | |
| 1987 | 15 | 3 | |
| 1986 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1985 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Dodge Shadow years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Shadow years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1991, 1992, 1990, 1989. The cleanest year on record is 1996.
What is the best year for the Dodge Shadow?
By complaint volume, 1996 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Shadow years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Dodge Shadow have?
Across all model years, the Shadow has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 598 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.