1990 Dodge Shadow: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My daughter hit a pot hole, her air bag deployed giving her a very bruised face, swollen, black eye, numerous scratches and cuts and a burned hand. Her car is not damaged at all except for the air bag being deployed. Emergency room doctors say this never should have happened. *la”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2003
“Recall 89v237000/ engine:gasket:valve cover: vehicle caught on fire while traveling at 25 mph under the hood, local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Dealer was notified, and informed that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall. Please feel free to provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“Vehicle experienced a deployment of driver's air bag from an impact of 15 mph. Deployment caused chemical burns on driver's left hand/right wrist/chin, and neck. Also, received bruises and scratches. Dealer contacted. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving at approximately 35 mph ,to avoid an accident ,driver made a quick stop and driver's airbag deployed, causing burns and bruises on face and chest. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1999
“While driving at about 35 mph slammed on brakes to avoid hitting someone, and the airbags deployed. Consumer's jaw was injured, had to go to the hospital. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1999
“Brake pedal failed to engage due to grease used at factory stiffing to the point of preventing the ratchet dog from moving.”Owner report · Parking Brake · Jul 1996
“Air bag did not deploy when consumer was in accident. Tt consumer also states seat belt did not lock during impact, luckily there were no injuries. *slc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 1995
“Steering wheel locked up causing loss of vehicle control, frontend collision at 15-20mph. Airbag did not deploy.total loss of vehicle. Describe. Tt”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 1995
“All lights, brake lights, back lights, parking lights and the head lights don't work intermittently. Please describe details. Tt”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 1995
“Driving the vehicle at a speed of 35 mph, air bag deployed partically, lost control, jumped a curve, causing under the body damage. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Shadow by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Dodge Shadow reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Dodge Shadow. The most complained-about area is air bags (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Dodge Shadow problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,632 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.