VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Shadow problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Shadow year — the 1989 model ranks #6 of 15 Shadow years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (9), engine (8), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

42

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Shadow years?

Shadow NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Shadow years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Shadow problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts921%
Engine819%
Transmission717%
Suspension37%
Lighting37%
Brakes37%
Electrical System25%
Body & Structure25%
Speed Control12%
Other12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Seats12%

Does the 1989 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.

92V053000Seat BeltsApril 13, 1992 · 115,000 units

Defect

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

SEAT OCCUPANTS WITHOUT SHOULDER RESTRAINTS ARE SUBJECT TOINCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.

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.

“RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#92V053000). TOOK VEHICLE IN. WAITED 1 1/2 HOURS, BELT NOT FIXED. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK. BRAKES WORK FINE. MECHANIC SAID BELTS FIXED. DROVE HOME. NO BRAKES. DRIVER'S BELT NOT FIXED. RECEIVED CARD, SAYING PARTS ARE NOW IN. VEHICLE HAS NO BRAKES. SEAT BELTS NOT WORKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 17, 1998

“VALVE COVER GASKET IS LEAKING ON THE MOTOR. RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED , BUT THIS PATRICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL. OWNER HAS NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE IGNITION OFF THAT IT ROLLED BACK ABOUT (4) FEET CRASHING INTO ROCKS AND TREES. THE PARKING LOT WAS FAIRLY LEVELED. *AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 6, 1996 · crash

“REAR BRAKE CARRIER IS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INOPERATIVE, NEEDS REPLACEMENT. CONSUMER NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE FRONT BRAKES AND CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER INDICATED A TSB FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT REFUSED TO CORRECT IT. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“PLASTIC LENSES COVERING FRONT HEADLIGHTS ARE DISCOLORING, AND CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE COLLISION. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 9, 1998

1989 Dodge Shadow — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Shadow reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 1989 model at #6 of 15 Shadow years. It is one of the Shadow years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Shadow problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Shadow have recalls?

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

Is the 1989 Dodge Shadow under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.