VehicleVerdict

1987 Dodge Shadow problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1987 Dodge Shadow — 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Shadow years?

Shadow NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted137 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 19 complaints1989: 42 complaints1990: 50 complaints1991: 113 complaints1992: 81 complaints1993: 135 complaints1994: 137 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 1 complaints
Shadow NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Shadow years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Dodge Shadow problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System640%
Engine213%
Seats213%
Electrical System213%
Other17%
Seat Belts17%
Transmission17%

Does the 1987 Dodge Shadow 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.

89V038000BrakesMarch 20, 1989 · 1,550 units

Defect

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION;ALSO, LOOSE COMPONENT COULD JAM IN THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.

Remedy

REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.

88V105000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1988 · 580,000 units

Defect

FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. *AK DEALER HAD REPLACED THE ECM AND THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, THE DEALER FOUND RECALL 88V105 REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM, HOWEVER FOUND THIS VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 9, 1996

“ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND IF IT IS NOT ON, THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO RUN. WHEN IT IS ON, IT RUNS SLUGGISH. ALSO REPLACED IGNITION PLUGS/ROTOR/CAPS AND FUEL FILTER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, AND IF IT IS NOT ON, THE CAR DOESN'T WANT TO RUN. WHEN IT IS ON, IT RUNS SLUGGISH. ALSO REPLACED IGNITION PLUGS/ROTOR/CAPS AND FUEL FILTER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISON AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, ALSO BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · August 30, 1992 · crash

1987 Dodge Shadow — common questions

Is the 1987 Dodge Shadow reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 1987 Shadow problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (6 complaints), seats (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Dodge Shadow have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Dodge Shadow. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Dodge Shadow under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Shadow years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Shadow years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1991, 1992, 1990, 1989. The cleanest record among Shadow years belongs to 1996.

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.