1991 Dodge Shadow: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 89 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (17% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Contaminated brake system which would cost $800-$1500. To repair. *ph the dealer was notified of the problem. The consumer noticed that the brakes felt like something was holding them up at lower speeds. Both service facilities stated the wrong oil was in the braking system instead of brake fluid. The consumer requested reimbursement for the repair costs. *sc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2003
“While driving 35 mph had slowed down, consumer applied accelerator and accelerator pedal stuck. Applied brakes and brakes didnot stop vehicle. Vehicle kept accelerating, hitting vehicles and a gas pump. Vehicle totaled, driver injured. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2002
“Was travling at about 25 mph when crossing into a nother lane consumer rear ended another vehicle, and air bags did not deploy. Has not contacted dealer.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“On september 17,2000 @9:27am my breaks gave out on me completly, 2hours later they were working again, the brake light did come on for a few minutes then it went away.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
“Driver's side air bag came out unexpectedly & knocked the driver unconscious. Vehicle rearended another due to a sudden stop.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2000
“Engine check light flashed 3x and decreased speed. Engine stalled without warning 4x. Please advise on how to proceed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2000
“Convertible top is leaking. In the summer months during hot weather the seals shrinks, and they don't met to keep water from coming in over the door.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Sep 1999
“Consumer has been trying to get manufacturer's. Recall notice to be honored by dealer since 25 aug 98: seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Aug 1998
“Crankshaft bolt snapped ( interior and outer breakage), totally corroded, held up by slight sliver less than five percent. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1997
“The rear hatchback clylinders do not support the rear hatchback, resulting in the hatchback falling on the occupant when lifting the hatch in the up position. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Remedy: REPAIR TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF FRONT IMPACT SENSORS TO BRACKETS.
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
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 1991 Dodge Shadow reliable?
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Dodge Shadow. The most complained-about area is seats (17% of complaints).
Does the 1991 Dodge Shadow have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper. 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.