1992 Dodge Shadow: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 73 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seats (27% 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 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 dodge shadow. The contact stated that the ignition switch stayed in the acc position and was difficult to turn over into an on and off position. The contact mentioned that while driving the key fell out and the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2000
“While driving 35mph rear end let loose. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Dealer will not repair the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 1999
“A part of the emission system came off causing blockage within the exhaust system resulting in damage to catalytic converter and muffler, causing poor acceleration. Mjs”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“While sitting at an intersection and making a left turn, hit another vehicle on the side, and driver's side air bag did'nt deploy properly. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 1999
“Original paint is peeling off body due to errors at the factory. Windshield had to be replaced due to crack and we were informed by installer that it may leak or come loose in a crash as the paint is loose and the sealant has nothing to adhere to.”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 1999
“Temperature guage is reading extremely hot, but all the diagnostic tests performed indicated the car is not overheating. Problem is not reflecting the temperature gauge indicator, tsb 081593. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy the problem. Provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1998
“Received six manufacturer's recalls on seatback bolt. Consumer contacted dealer in their area since 21 nov 1998 for a appointment. No one called back.received another recall notice, and again contacted the same dealer. Was told someone will called back to schedule an appointment. Again no one called back. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1998
“Received six manufacturer's recalls concerning seatback bolt failure. Been waiting for an appointment since 21 of november, 98. Again contacted dealer and informed him of an appointment needed for recall repairs. Dealer stated again that they would call consumer back with an appointment. Still not received an appointment. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Nov 1998
“Consumer complained that emergency brake pedal released by itself on three occasions for unknown reason. Dealer notified.*ak *slc”Owner report · Parking Brake · Oct 1998
“The air bag on the driver's side is coming out of the module due to rip naugahyde. The probelem has not been corrected. *ak *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · May 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 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.
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.
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 1992 Dodge Shadow reliable?
NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Dodge Shadow. The most complained-about area is seats (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Dodge Shadow problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,500 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Dodge Shadow have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. 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.