1988 Dodge Shadow Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Dodge Shadow (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1988 Dodge Shadow. The part named most often is seat belts, with 6 complaints (50% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and transmission and drivetrain (3). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the retractor and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts6 50%
- Engine cooling3 25%
- Steering2 17%
- Brakes1 8.3%
- Equipment1 8.3%
- Seats1 8.3%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Driver's and passenger's side automatic shoulder belt failure, problem occurs in cold weather, dealer is lubricating belt but doesn't correct problem. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #976818, filed 1995-12Engine cooling: “Transmission failed, engine failed at 69,000 miles, excess oil consumption repaired under warranty, rear axle reinforcement bar broke at 52,000 miles , outer tierod ends replaced at 49,000 miles, left front brake caliper failed at 10,000 miles, engine thermostat failed at 12,000 miles, air conditioning belt idler failed at 17,000, air conditioning compressor and evaporator failed at 67,000 miles, recall on drivers seat back retaining bolt... Car has had nothing but one problems.......will not buy another chrysler vehicle........”
NHTSA complaint #750568, filed 2001-08Steering: “While driving at any speed vehicle had excessive play in steering wheel. Consumer's husband, who was mechanic, found that rack and pinion was missing one mounting bolt and the other one was loose. Dealership was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10087378, filed 2004-08Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Dodge Shadow version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 92V053000Apr 13, 1992Seat beltsCovers: Dodge Shadow 1988–1989, Plymouth Sundance 1988–1989
The automatic shoulder restraint systems can malfunction and become inoperative.
- 88V129000Aug 1, 1988Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Dodge Shadow 1988, Plymouth Sundance 1988
Front passenger seat lap belt retractor, which incorporates a child seat belt locking feature, may malfunction.
Recall details for the 1988 Dodge Shadow → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA91043Auto shoulder belt failureClosed · Oct 30, 1991
- PE91082Auto shoulder belt failureClosed · Jun 5, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Dodge Shadow.
Other model years of the Dodge Shadow
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 94 | 108,500 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 107 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 73 | 82,500 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 89 | — | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 40 | 111,632 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 33 | — | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 12 | — | 2 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 12 | — | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
All Dodge Shadow model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Dodge Shadow have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1988 Dodge Shadow as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Dodge Shadow is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 6 complaints (50% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1988 Dodge Shadow been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Dodge Shadow get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Dodge Shadow (Shadow, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.