Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1989 Dodge Spirit Transmission and drivetrain 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 transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Dodge Spirit, 24% of the 21 complaints for this model year.

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.

“When parked on an incline vehicle will not shift from park unless driver starts engine and presses the emergency brake, and then shifts it into park. When releasing the emergency brake would have to try taking it out of park at the same time, or if someone rocks vehicle from the back.”

NHTSA complaint #840630, filed 1999-06

“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

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
1995	8	21%
1994	14	16%
1993	9	11%
1992	16	28%
1991	15	16%
1990	17	27%
1989	5	24%

Other parts of the 1989 Dodge Spirit

Engine cooling
5 complaints Suspension
3 complaints Fuel system
2 complaints Brakes
1 complaints Electrical system
1 complaints Equipment
1 complaints Exterior lighting
1 complaints Other or unknown
1 complaints Seat belts
1 complaints Steering
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1989 Dodge Spirit

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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