1991 Dodge Spirit: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 95 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“*ohio traffic crash report* the vehicle started to hesitate. Consumer noticed smoke and flames and pulled off the road. Functional damage was sustained to the engine and under carriage areas. *jg *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2002
“While driving 25 to 30 mph, consumer heard a flapping noise. Got out and checked right rear tire which had shredded. Steelbelts were showing. 1991, dodge, spirit, tire size p195/70r14, dot# hhhd514x25.*ak michelin treadware 310 traction a m and s tubular. *mj”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2002
“Consumer stated that after a leakage on vehicle had found out that head gasket had been leaking due to a crack. *ak the design of the cylinder head was defective. The consumer's internet research indicated that there were other consumers who experienced the same cylinder head crack and the manufacturer should recall it. *yh”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Twice now oil pan has been damaged because it is too low. Once it was damaged going on a country road and scrapeing the crown in the road and causing the oil pan to leak. Another time in the snow we hit an ice ball from the car infront of us causing a huge dent in the oil pan. The oil pan is roughly 2 inches lower than anything else on the car, which means thatanytime you hit anything the first thing that gets damaged will be oil pan and in return could cause more serious problems. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2000
“While driving over a stoney road at 10mph, the anti sway bar broke.*ak after drivng over freshly laid gravel which was deep in some areas, the vehicle started emitting a high pitched noise characteristic of a broken anti sway bar. This bar was welded at a local auto repair but later broke again. The manager at the local dodge dealership informed consumer that this is a fairly common failure. *jg”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2000
“Repeated attempts by the dealer to repair this problem/defect have not ever actually fixed it--it keeps reoccurring. No safety defect listed in the summary. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000
“Consumer heard metal to metal noise coming from rear driver's side. Repair shop determined that rear axle assembly broke. Consumer had to purchase a whole new axle assembly because they would not weld it back together. It was a safety hazard. Three dodge dealership had no clues as to what the consumer was complaining about.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2000
“Due to design flaw timing belt broke on nine different occasions in the last 4 years. Dealer can not determine what's causing this problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1999
“Consumer parked car and while still sitting in car started to feel very strong heat and car burst into flames. Consumer was able to get out of the car. Consumer believes fuel line leak may have started the fire. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 1999
“Tranmission went out, and when putting the gear in drive, the vehicle won't move anywhere.vehicle lost power within the speed of the vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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 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.
FRONT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT MAY BECOME DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND OR UNLATCH DUE TO A WEBBING STIFFENER ENTERING THE BUCKLE HOUSING AND DISLODGING THE BUCKLE LATCH GUIDE.
Remedy: REPLACE BUCKLE LATCH ENGAGEMENT.
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 1991 Dodge Spirit reliable?
NHTSA has 95 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Dodge Spirit. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
Does the 1991 Dodge Spirit have open recalls?
3 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.