Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1992 Dodge Spirit sits mid-pack among Spirit years: 77 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 61, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (16), engine (12), and brakes (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
77
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 16 | 21% | — flat |
| Engine | 12 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 4 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
“CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS USED ON ALL SPIRITS, ACCLAIMS, LEBARON SEDANS, CIRRUS, STRATUS, ALL MINIVANS MUST BE INVESTIGATED. THERE IS A BUILT IN DEFECT. I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS SOONER, BUT I WAS A CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE. THE SECOND TIME THE TRANS FAILED WAS AT 65-70 MPH IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, CAUGHT ON FIRE…”
“THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LINE VALVE CRACKED AND GAS CAME OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY AND A RAW FUEL SMELL WAS INSIDE VEHICLE, UNDERNEATH THE CAR GAS WAS PUMPING OUT. *SLC ”
“THE CAR ABS BRAKES. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT”
“CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS USED ON ALL SPIRITS, ACCLAIMS, LEBARON SEDANS, CIRRUS, STRATUS, ALL MINIVANS MUST BE INVESTIGATED. THERE IS A BUILT IN DEFECT. I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS SOONER, BUT I WAS A CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE. THE SECOND TIME THE TRANS FAILED WAS AT 65-70 MPH IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, CAUGHT ON FIRE…”
“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON. A REPAIR SHOP CONTACTED, AND STATED THEY CANNOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
It is close to typical for the Spirit: 77 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (16 complaints), engine (12 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Dodge Spirit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 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.