Carlexica

1994 Dodge Shadow: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 94 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (15% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999

1
recalls
94
owner complaints
3
fire reports
108,500
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 108,500 mi)3 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)15% · 14 complaints
Seats12% · 11 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)12% · 11 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 9 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)10% · 9 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)7% · 6 complaints
94 dodge shadow and some other years around my area are going bad having to replace the computers and they are costly. *nmOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006
Vehicle was approaching through a light at 10 miles per hour when it was involved in a front impact collision, and driver's side air bag did not deploy.*akOwner report · Air Bags · Nov 2004
Plastic headlight covers on dodge shadow become translucent with age. Lamps can be seen by oncoming cars but do not illuminate the road ahead. Okay on well-lit city streets but headlights have almost no effect in the country. This is clearly a problem that should not happen, and clearly irresponsible of the manufacturer to let it happen. *cbOwner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
While driving the left front wheel came off the vehicle due to broken lugs and struck the left front side of the vehicle (ohio traffic crash report). NlmOwner report · Wheels · Dec 2001
Consumer was traveling about 45mph, going down a hill, and lost control of vehicle. Vehicle hit a bush and a telephone poll, and stopped on impact. Driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Dealership was aware of problem.*akOwner report · Air Bags · Aug 2001
While driving at any speed vehicle will suddenly stall. There is no prior warning. Contacted dealer, and dealer is not willing to do anything.*akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
Lower seat back attaching bolts broke on the passenger seat which could cause seat to release from the upright position. Vehicle was recalled for the same problem with the driver seat. Recall number 99v212000. .*ak the recall was for the driver side seat failure but manufacturer refused to take responsibility for passenger side seat failure. *yhOwner report · Seats · Aug 2000
While driving would try to roll up or down front windows. It was difficult. Pulled over & pushed window with hands, front window fell without warning. The front window clip had broken. Contacted dealership & informed nothing wrong with windows or winding mechanism. *akOwner report · Visibility · Oct 1999
While driving at 60 mph bolts within the driver's side seat broke,causing the consumer to fall backwards and lose control of the vehicle. Consumer was able to get the vehicle back under control and to pull to the side of the road. *akOwner report · Seats · Sep 1999
Exterior paint chipping all around the car, have performed regular waxing throughout life of the car. Is there are recall on this paint, it seems that a six-seven year old car should not do this. No safety defect listed with summary. *akOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 1999

When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - 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 1994 Dodge Shadow reliable?

NHTSA has 94 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Dodge Shadow. The most complained-about area is air bags (15% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1994 Dodge Shadow problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 108,500 miles or less.

Does the 1994 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.