1990 Dodge Spirit: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 63 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% 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 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There was a squeaking noise coming from rear. Rod in axle broke. Consumer feels that wheel may come off. *ak the weld broke at the spindle in the rear axle. The mechanic has fixed. Consumer would like to be reimbursed for monies paid towards repiars. Consumer feels an axle problem should not occur within 68000 miles. *jg”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2002
“Air bags deployed without reason or warning, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle. Had not contacted a dealer yet. Consumer rearended another vehicle.*ak *yd”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2001
“3rd transmission; 1st replaced at 115k miles,2nd at 117k,3rd at 113k,2nd & 3rd are chrysler remanf transmission. Trans went into limp mode at 60mph, dangerous lost of speed on highway in traffic.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“As vehicle was in motion automatic transmission went into limp mode, shifting down from 4th gear into 2nd gear dangerously slowing the car from 60 mph to 35 mph, there was no forewarning, transmission has been replaced 3 times with a chrysler remanufactured transmission. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2001
“While driving hit an island ,and in the middle of the street died in center, and airbags deployed. Consumer feels airbags should not have deployed.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2000
“While driving on a secondary road going 40 mph and without any advanced warning driver's side airbag deployed. Deployment caused consumer into a ditch, and resulted in minor face injuries to consumer. Airbag deployed on its own without any type of impact on the vehicle prior to deployment. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2000
“Automatic transmission malfunctioned, causing vehicle to hesitate and stall while driving which may result in a crash. Dealer replaced the transmission 4 times with a rebuild transmission. Dealer cannot determine the caus eof the problem. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1999
“Transmission locks up in second gear, and isn't shifting properly. This is the third transmission put into the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1999
“The ignition switch started to smoke when I was driving down a main artery of traffic and I litterally had to turn on my signal and then make a quick exit off the road so not to intterrupt any traffic behind me.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1999
“Ignition switch failed, causing vehicle to stall without indication. Dealer has replaced switch twice. Now when owner turns on the a/c or heater fan, the section of the switch where the wires connect becomes extremely hot. *ak *ml”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 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 Spirit 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 Spirit reliable?
NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Dodge Spirit. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
Does the 1990 Dodge Spirit 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.