Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 135 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Spirit year — the 1991 model ranks #1 of 10 Spirit years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 36 reports (27% of the total).
135
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
3
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 17 | 13% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 14 | 10% | — flat |
| Airbags | 12 | 9% | — flat |
| Steering | 10 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 5% | new |
| Suspension | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
FRONT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT MAY BECOME DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND OR UNLATCH DUE TO A WEBBING STIFFENER ENTERING THE BUCKLE HOUSING AND DISLODGING THE BUCKLE LATCH GUIDE.
Consequence
LATCH MAY OPEN DURING ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP, EXPOSINGSEAT OCCUPANT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE BUCKLE LATCH ENGAGEMENT.
Defect
THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Consequence
AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IF THEFRONT IMPACT SENSORS ARE NOT ATTACHED.
Remedy
REPAIR TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF FRONT IMPACT SENSORS TO BRACKETS.
Defect
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“*OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT* THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE. CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. FUNCTIONAL DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE ENGINE AND UNDER CARRIAGE AREAS. *JG *JB”
“CONSUMER HEARD METAL TO METAL NOISE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY BROKE. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A WHOLE NEW AXLE ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT WELD IT BACK TOGETHER. IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THREE DODGE DEALERSHIP HAD NO CLUES AS TO WHAT THE…”
“THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED A FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE PLASTIC THAT COVERS THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS HAPPEN RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED NEXT WEEK. *AK THE DEALER SAID TO BE THE WIRING HARNESS AS…”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER'S AIRBAG CAME OUT, BUT DID NOT FULLY DEPLOY, CAUSING INJURIES AND BURNING OF MITTENS AND COAT. *AK”
“REPEATED ATTEMPTS BY THE DEALER TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM/DEFECT HAVE NOT EVER ACTUALLY FIXED IT--IT KEEPS REOCCURRING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 135 complaints put the 1991 model at #1 of 10 Spirit years. It is one of the Spirit years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (36 complaints), transmission (17 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Dodge Spirit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.