1990 Dodge Spirit Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 21%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Dodge Spirit, 21% of the 63 complaints for this model year. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The ignition switch started to smoke when I was driving down a main artery of traffic and I litterally had to turn on my signal and then make a quick exit off the road so not to intterrupt any traffic behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #708478, filed 1999-07“Ignition switch was failing again after being replaced 3-4 years ago. Also, wiring harness was faulty, causing heater and air conditioner motor switch not to operate/ airbag light stayed on continuously on the dashboard/,brake pads fell off the right front wheel without any warning/ gear selector failed, did not show the correct gear, and rearview mirror fell off. Parts for wiring harness purchased at dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #863775, filed 2000-06“Ignition switch failed, causing vehicle to stall without indication. Dealer has replaced switch twice. Now when owner turns on the A/C or heater fan, the section of the switch where the wires connect becomes extremely hot.”
NHTSA complaint #863303, filed 2000-06“Vehicle parked; driver got into vehicle & started it; noticed white smoke coming from steering column & filling vehicle; turned vehicle off & took key out of ignition; smoke stopped; took plastic cover off steering wheel & noticed wiring had burned.”
NHTSA complaint #814206, filed 1997-07“When air condition is on high the steering column got hot and burned the wire that indicates no brakes. Also it has melted the cover below the ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #9001728, filed 2000-08Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1990 Dodge Spirit
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Dodge Spirit
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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