VehicleVerdict

1990 Dodge Spirit problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1990 Dodge Spirit sits mid-pack among Spirit years: 82 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 61, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (18), airbags (16), and electrical system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

82

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Spirit years?

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

See all Spirit years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Dodge Spirit problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1822%
Airbags1620%
Electrical System1518%
Engine1012%
Suspension67%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Lighting22%
Seats22%
Speed Control22%
Brakes22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Steering11%
Fuel System11%
Other11%
Seat Belts11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 1990 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.

“IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAILING AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED 3-4 YEARS AGO. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY, CAUSING HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR SWITCH NOT TO OPERATE/ AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY ON THE DASHBOARD/,BRAKE PADS FELL OFF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY WARNING/ GEAR SELECTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD GOING 40 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY ADVANCED WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DEPLOYMENT CAUSED CONSUMER INTO A DITCH, AND RESULTED IN MINOR FACE INJURIES TO CONSUMER. AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 17, 2000 · crash

“IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAILING AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED 3-4 YEARS AGO. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY, CAUSING HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR SWITCH NOT TO OPERATE/ AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON CONTINUOUSLY ON THE DASHBOARD/,BRAKE PADS FELL OFF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITHOUT ANY WARNING/ GEAR SELECTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“WE GOT THE CAR FROM MY MOTHER WHO IN TURN BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW AND TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.WHEN WE GOT IT THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING RIGHT AWAY AND ONE OF THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN.ONE DAY THE OTHER WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN ANYMORE.A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE STEREO AND SPEAKERS QUITE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM REAR. ROD IN AXLE BROKE. CONSUMER FEELS THAT WHEEL MAY COME OFF. *AK THE WELD BROKE AT THE SPINDLE IN THE REAR AXLE. THE MECHANIC HAS FIXED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MONIES PAID TOWARDS REPIARS. CONSUMER FEELS AN AXLE PROBLEM SHOULD NOT OCCUR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 15, 2002

1990 Dodge Spirit — common questions

Is the 1990 Dodge Spirit reliable?

It is close to typical for the Spirit: 82 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Spirit problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), airbags (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 1990 Dodge Spirit have recalls?

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

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.