Carlexica

1994 Dodge Spirit: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 87 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (15% of complaints); the 1995 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 1994

1
recalls
87
owner complaints
3
fire reports
65,000
typical failure mileage, mi

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

One of the most complained-about Spirit years (#2 of 6, age-adjusted)3 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Seat Belts15% · 13 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)14% · 12 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)9% · 8 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)9% · 8 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)8% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)8% · 7 complaints
1994 dodge spirit caught fire while driving on the ohio turnpike. Consumer states he pulled over when the vehicle began to have problems then it caught fire. *kb the police report stated the fire originated in the engine compartment. Ohio traffic crash report# 10-0372-91Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008
Fuel smell seeps onto the car when heat is on. Dealer states that the fuel injector is leaking, but refuses to repair problem. Please provide additional information. TsOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2001
Since we bought this used car from a dealer in 1999, the transmission seemed to slip. We complained, but nothing was ever done. In 2001, we took the car to yet another dodge dealer. At this time, the car had 80,000 miles on it. They said that the transmission needed a complete overhaul. If memory serves me correctly, the price they quoted was $1,800. So now, we drive a car with a horrible transmission that slips upon take off and hard acceleration while passing. *laOwner report · Power Train · May 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
Consumer was slowing down and vehicle was wobbling. Consumer pulled over, took a look, didn't see anything, and continued driving. Consumer traveled at 65mph, the faster she drove less it seemed to wiggle. Consumer went to dealer to have vehicle checked out, and it was left outer front half shaft. Part was wiggling and rubbing metal on metal. Mechanic stated it was a common problem, like brake pad. *akOwner report · Suspension · May 2001
Vehicle has had intermittent problem with seals on engine gasket. They were leaking, and causing vehicle to stall. Dealer has repaired them 3 other times with no explanation why it kept happening. Other problem is with passenger door rusting on inside at hinges. Door is about to come off. Dealer expected consumer to oil door periodically.*akOwner report · Structure · Mar 2001
Bought from pep boys, tire size p18575r14, m/s, steel belted. Driver's front tire tread came off. *ak the consumer replaced the two front tires due to the bad condition of them. Dot#hvj7nd069. *slcOwner report · Tires · Sep 2000
When the air bag on the driver's side deployed during collision, driver's hands were injured, driver's thumbs were almost cut off by the sharp edge of the air bag cover. *cjOwner report · Air Bags · Sep 2000
I was taking my grandson to auburn, ny when he notice a white wisp coming from the steering column. I stopped immediately, shut car off..walked to a house to call for help. This car was repaired at fox dodge, auburn, n.y. I called chrysler corp. And karen authorized payment for the clock spring, but I had to pay the labor on invoice #chcs17948 in the amount of $169.12. I wonder how many other people have paid for total repairs of the defective clock spring.*akOwner report · Air Bags · Aug 2000
Bolt on seat frame caused seat back to drop to the rear. Could cause accident if car was moving. Engine belt tensionor broke large engine belt , could cause engine failure. This tensionor also froze on my 1994 carivan. My friends 1998 carivan belt tensionor also broke around 60000 miles.. I suspect amny dodge cars and breaks have bad tensionor's. This was not fixed at dealer. *akOwner report · Seats · Jun 2000
Three spot welds broke at rear left sway bar. Manuufacturer notified, and informed consumer that part was covered under manufacturer's recall. *akOwner report · Suspension · Jun 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE94V023000 · Feb 1994

THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORS (BUCKLE LOCK BARS) DO NOT MEET THE STATIC LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Remedy: THE TRAVELING SAFETY BELT LOCK BAR ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED ON THESE VEHICLES.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1994 Dodge Spirit reliable?

NHTSA has 87 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Dodge Spirit. The most complained-about area is seat belts (15% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1994 Dodge Spirit problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.

Does the 1994 Dodge Spirit have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. 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.