1993 Dodge Spirit problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Spirit year — the 1993 model ranks #3 of 10 Spirit years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (23), electrical system (16), and suspension (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
118
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Spirit years?
What are the most common 1993 Dodge Spirit problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 23 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 16 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 15 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 8 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE PARKED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ENGINE OIL IGNITED WHEN ENGINE PADDING GOT HEATED BY ENGINE. *AK *ML”
“UPON STARTING VEHICLE OR WHEN DRIVING SMOKE IS COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN AREA. PROBLEM OCCURRED MOSTLY UPON STARTING VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED OUT AND BURNED UP. *YH”
“CONSUMER EXPERIENCING LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLY AXLE NEEDS REPLACEMENT, AND WILL REPAIR AT THE COST TO CONSUMER. *AK”
“I OWN A 1993 DODGE SPIRIT WITH ONLY 96000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHEN I AM DRIVING AROUND TOWN. IT HAPPENS AROUND 20-30 MPH. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE TRANSMISSION NOT CHANGING GEARS AS NEEDED. I…”
“THE CABLE THAT TURNS ON THE BRAKES GOT RAPPED UP WITH THE STEERING COLUMN/ UNIVERSAL JOINTS, CAUSING THE CABLE TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK”
1993 Dodge Spirit — common questions
Is the 1993 Dodge Spirit reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 1993 model at #3 of 10 Spirit years. It is one of the Spirit years to avoid.
What are the most common 1993 Spirit problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), suspension (15 complaints).
Does the 1993 Dodge Spirit have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Dodge Spirit.
Is the 1993 Dodge Spirit under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.