VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Spirit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 1989 Dodge Spirit — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

25

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Spirit years?

Spirit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted135 complaints1989: 25 complaints1990: 82 complaints1991: 135 complaints1992: 77 complaints1993: 118 complaints1994: 119 complaints1995: 45 complaints1996: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Spirit NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spirit years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Spirit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission520%
Engine520%
Suspension312%
Seat Belts312%
Brakes28%
Electrical System28%
Fuel System28%
Steering14%
Other14%
Lighting14%

Does the 1989 Dodge Spirit 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.

“ON THE TRANSMISSION IT IS VERY SLOW SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND. ALSO THE REVERSE WENT OUT COMPLETELY,AND HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $1019. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN. HE SHIFTER IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND IT'S BEGINNING TO WEAR AWAY, AND WILL SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO NUETRAL BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 19, 1999

“WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT FROM PARK UNLESS DRIVER STARTS ENGINE AND PRESSES THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THEN SHIFTS IT INTO PARK. WHEN RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD HAVE TO TRY TAKING IT OUT OF PARK AT THE SAME TIME, OR IF SOMEONE ROCKS VEHICLE FROM THE BACK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS WHERE IT SAYS "PRESS", A PIECE BROKEN AND THE SEATBELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 1, 1996

1989 Dodge Spirit — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Spirit reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Spirit problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Spirit have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Dodge Spirit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Dodge Spirit under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Dodge Spirit years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spirit years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1993. The cleanest record among Spirit 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.