1990 Dodge Spirit Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 27%of 63 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Dodge Spirit, 27% of the 63 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling on a german autobahn at ~75mph; without any warning indications, transmission shifted into 2nd gear. Speed was suddenly reduced to below 40mph; unable to maintain minimum speed according to german law. Other traffic successfully avoided my slowed vehicle, some travelling in excess of 100mph. I was able to pull to the side, where I drove to the next exit, in 2nd gear. This is the third failure for this transmission. Previous failures; jan '91- repaired apr '95 - rebuilt . …”
NHTSA complaint #702218, filed 1999-01“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“As vehicle was in motion automatic transmission went into limp mode, shifting down from 4th gear into 2nd gear dangerously slowing the car from 60 MPH to 35 MPH, there was no forewarning, transmission has been replaced 3 times with a chrysler remanufactured transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #560750, filed 2001-04“Automatic transmission malfunctioned, causing vehicle to hesitate and stall while driving which may result in a crash. Dealer replaced the transmission 4 times with a rebuild transmission. Dealer cannot determine the caus eof the problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #851986, filed 1999-10“3rd transmission; 1st replaced at 115k miles,2nd at 117k,3rd at 113k,2nd & 3rd are chrysler remanf transmission. Trans went into limp mode at 60mph, dangerous lost of speed on highway in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #740614, filed 2001-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1990 Dodge Spirit
15 complaintsElectrical system
13 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 31, 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