1989 Dodge Shadow Problems
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- 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 1989 Dodge Shadow (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1989 Dodge Shadow. The part named most often is seat belts, with 9 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and transmission and drivetrain (7). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 belts9 27%
- Engine cooling7 21%
- Exterior lighting3 9.1%
- Suspension3 9.1%
- Brakes2 6.1%
- Electrical system2 6.1%
- Body and structure2 6.1%
- Equipment1 3.0%
- Other or unknown1 3.0%
Also reported: Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Received recall notice (#92v053000). Took vehicle in. Waited 1 1/2 hours, belt not fixed. Brought vehicle back. Brakes work fine. Mechanic said belts fixed. Drove home. No brakes. Driver's belt not fixed. Received card, saying parts are now in. Vehicle has no brakes. Seat belts not working properly. Consumer will not drive vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #828196, filed 1998-09Engine cooling: “Valve cover gasket is leaking on the motor. Recall has been ordered , but this patricular vehicle was not included under recall. Owner has notified the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #827212, filed 1998-08Transmission and drivetrain: “Consumer states that while the car was in the park position with the ignition off that it rolled back about (4) feet crashing into rocks and trees. The parking lot was fairly leveled.”
NHTSA complaint #802204, filed 1996-09Exterior lighting: “Plastic lenses covering front headlights are discoloring, and causing poor visibility, which could lead to a vehicle collision. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #849338, filed 1999-09Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 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 | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Shadow FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Shadow Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Shadow Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Shadow Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Shadow Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Shadow Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
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.
- 89V237000Dec 27, 1989Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Dodge Shadow 1989–1990, Plymouth Voyager 1989–1990, Dodge Caravan 1989–1990 +12 more
The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
Recall details for the 1989 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 1989 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 1989 Dodge Shadow have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 1989 Dodge Shadow as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Dodge Shadow is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 9 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 1989 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 1989 Dodge Shadow get?
The EPA rates the 1989 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.