1994 Dodge Spirit Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 16%of 87 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Dodge Spirit, 16% of the 87 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
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.
“Since we bought this used car from a dealer in 1999, the transmission seemed to slip. We complained, but nothing was ever done. In 2001, we took the car to yet another Dodge dealer. At this time, the car had 80,000 miles on it. They said that the transmission needed a complete overhaul. If memory serves me correctly, the price they quoted was $1,800. So now, we drive a car with a horrible transmission that slips upon take off and hard acceleration while passing.”
NHTSA complaint #10047688, filed 2003-11, 80,000 miles“Had transmission rebuilt at 65k and replaced at 83k--mechanic states the only way this is possible is a defect from the factory. I contacted chrysler who told me there were no recalls regarding the transmission, I contacted the bbb who have not responded. I have spent over $4000 on transmissions. What am I to do?”
NHTSA complaint #745749, filed 2001-05“The transmission on this car started downshifting very harshly & going out of gear with no warning. I was almost rear-ended. The transmission needs a $2,000 re-build after only 25,000 miles. Chrysler is not willing to help out. On further investigation, I have learned the chrysler cars and mini vans have been notorious for bad automatic transmissions. How has this been permitted to go on for so long? One of their products experiencing a major drivetrain failure at such low mileage is ridiculous. This automobile was originally purchased by an elderly couple who maintained it to the max. …”
NHTSA complaint #756622, filed 2002-01“Consumer was slowing down and vehicle was wobbling. Consumer pulled over, took a look, didn't see anything, and continued driving. Consumer traveled at 65mph, the faster she drove less it seemed to wiggle. Consumer went to dealer to have vehicle checked out, and it was left outer front half shaft. Part was wiggling and rubbing metal on metal. Mechanic stated it was a common problem, like brake pad.”
NHTSA complaint #889379, filed 2001-05“Automatic transmission: bought car february 94, had new transmission put in in 1996. Currently, when driving along it down shifts on its own and sometimes it will pop back into gear, and sometimes it just goes into second and will not go back into gear.”
NHTSA complaint #807925, filed 1997-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1994 Dodge Spirit
14 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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