1989 Dodge Spirit Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 24%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Dodge Spirit, 24% of the 21 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On the transmission it is very slow shifting between 1st and 2nd. Also the reverse went out completely,and had to get the transmission rebuilt for $1019. Now the problem is occurring again. He shifter is made of plastic, and it's beginning to wear away, and will shift from drive to nuetral by itself on occasion. Also, it is very hard to get it out of park. In addition, engine leaking oil from somewhere, and there is a new spot under the car on the floor with oil.”
NHTSA complaint #703493, filed 1999-02“Consumer auto caught fire and the engine burned-after being driven approx 10 miles. Auto was turned off when the fire started-consumer was not injured.”
NHTSA complaint #979533, filed 1996-02Related recalls
- 89V237000Dec 27, 1989The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.Covers: Dodge Spirit 1989–1990, Plymouth Voyager 1989–1990, Dodge Shadow 1989–1990 +12 more
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1989 Dodge Spirit
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Dodge Spirit
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology