Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 81 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median Shadow year — the 1992 model ranks #4 of 15 Shadow years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seats (20), airbags (12), and electrical system (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
81
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
6
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 20 | 25% | — flat |
| Airbags | 12 | 15% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 10 | 12% | — flat |
| Transmission | 6 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence
IF THE BOLT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Defect
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence
IF THE BOLT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Defect
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Consequence
IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
Defect
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Consequence
FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CAR IS UNDER RECALL FOR SEATBACK FAILURE, AND THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMEDY. THE OWNER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE RECALLED PART. *AK”
“DRIVER OF VEHICLE HIT A DEER. THEN RAN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE HEAD-ON AT ABOUT 40MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT AND DID NOT INFLATE FULLY DUE TO A HOLE IN AIRBAG. GAS ESCAPED INTO THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS VEHICLE NOW. *AK”
“VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT IN UNDERDASH WIRE HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AT THIS TIME.*AK”
“L/R REAR AXLES HAD A CHANNEL SUPPORT ROD, WHERE WELDED, HAD BROKEN. DRIVING UP DRIVEWAY (5 MPH) WHEN AXLES BROKE; VEHICLE STILL DRIVABLE BUT MAKES GRINDING NOISE; TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED ENTIRE L/R REAR AXLE HAS TO BE REPLACED. *AK”
“REAR PASSENGER DOOR FELL OFF HINGES ONTO STREET WHILE DRIVING; DOOR WAS IN LOCKED POSITION;HINGES WERE NOT WELDED CORRECTLY FROM MANUFACTURER;NO WARNING;SP 35.”
NHTSA data argues against it: 81 complaints put the 1992 model at #4 of 15 Shadow years. It is one of the Shadow years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (20 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Dodge Shadow. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.