Carlexica

1993 Dodge Shadow: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 107 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (13% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999

1
recalls
107
owner complaints
8
fire reports
120,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 120,000 mi)One of the most complained-about Shadow years (#1 of 5, age-adjusted)8 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)13% · 13 complaints
Seats13% · 13 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)11% · 11 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)10% · 10 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 10 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)9% · 9 complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge shadow. The contact stated while exiting a residential garage, the driver seat collapsed backward into the rear seats. The dealer diagnosed that the top bolt was fractured and would need replacing. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired for the exact same failure six years prior under NHTSA campaign id number: 99v212000 (seats:front assembly:recliner). The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance because the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The VIN was not available and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 196,700.Owner report · Seats · Apr 2011
Hi what I have is a question regarding a loose vacuum hose on a 1993 dodge shadow. I was wondering if I could have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from it having been disconnected (intentionally) and me driving the car on and off for 2 years? *trOwner report · Fuel System, Other · Oct 2007
Dt: caller's -husband purchased daughter a used car. The wiring on the car caught on fire, and the fumes and the smoke almost killed her. She had the car for 1 month when the plastic started bubbling and melting while daughter was driving on the interstate. This happened in the rear of the vehicle. *akOwner report · Electrical System · Jun 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
Consumer states that while driving at 35mph and no warning the vehicle will stall at which time the vehicle becomes difficult to operate. Dealer notified. NlmOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2002
Engine over powers motor mounts and continuously rips them apart. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****765219Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2002
Throttle stuck open, attempted to stop vehicle. A tree stopped the vehicle and engine continued to rev high. Brakes caught on fire as a result of trying to stop vehicle. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2002
Rattling in rear end with swaying that seemed to indicate rear shock failure, once a garage inspected it, the cracked rear trailing arm assembly was discovered. Dealership does not deny it's a common problem. Nice to know the rear end in a dodge is good for less than 50000 miles.*akOwner report · Suspension · Nov 2001
While traveling heard a hard noise. Vehicle was serviced and technician stated rear sway bar had broken and needed to be replaced. *ak *etOwner report · Suspension · Oct 2001
While making a left turn driver heard a loud sound from rear of the vehicle. Vehicle taken to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that rear sway bar was broken. Please feel free to provide us with any further information concerning this matter. *akOwner report · Suspension · May 2001
Consumer had pulled inside of driveway and turned vehicle off. It started smoking from the dashboard, electrical fire. Dealership was aware. There were no headlights at all.*akOwner report · Electrical System · Oct 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER99V212000 · Aug 1999

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1993 Dodge Shadow reliable?

NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Dodge Shadow. The most complained-about area is power train (13% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1993 Dodge Shadow problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.

Does the 1993 Dodge Shadow have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:recliner. 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.