VehicleVerdict

1990 Dodge Shadow problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Shadow year — the 1990 model ranks #5 of 15 Shadow years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (30% of the total).

50

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Shadow years?

Shadow NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Shadow years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Dodge Shadow problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1530%
Engine1020%
Lighting48%
Transmission48%
Electrical System48%
Steering36%
Suspension36%
Speed Control24%
Brakes24%
Seat Belts12%
Body & Structure12%
Seats12%

Does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“MY DAUGHTER HIT A POT HOLE, HER AIR BAG DEPLOYED GIVING HER A VERY BRUISED FACE, SWOLLEN, BLACK EYE, NUMEROUS SCRATCHES AND CUTS AND A BURNED HAND. HER CAR IS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL EXCEPT FOR THE AIR BAG BEING DEPLOYED. EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTORS SAY THIS NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *LA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 14, 2003 · crash

“RECALL 89V237000/ ENGINE:GASKET:VALVE COVER: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH UNDER THE HOOD, LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 2000 · fire

“AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME BACK ON. DEALER TRACED CAUSE TO THREE BURNED WIRES LOCATED IN STEERING COLUMN; ALSO, CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT CHARGES WERE ADDED ON EACH TIME SHE HAD TO BRING VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS GRANDSON WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE INGNITION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“WHEN PRESS BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKE LIGHTS DIM WHEN HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT ON, AND AT NIGHT WON'T ILLUMINATE AT ALL, DUE ELECTRIC SHORT. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · crash

1990 Dodge Shadow — common questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Shadow reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 1990 model at #5 of 15 Shadow years. It is one of the Shadow years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Shadow problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (15 complaints), engine (10 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Dodge Shadow. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 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.