My daughter hit a pot hole, her air bag deployed giving her a very bruised face, swollen, black eye, numerous scratches and cuts and a burned hand. Her car is not damaged at all except for the air bag being deployed. Emergency room doctors say this never should have happened.
The worst 1990 Dodge Shadow problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags15
- Engine9
- Electrical4
- Lights3
- Steering3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags15
- Engine9
- Electrical4
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Suspension3
- Transmission3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Body1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
- Risk
- The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
- Remedy
- Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
Recall number 89V237000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Dodge Shadow
Defect investigations
Steering wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
EA93009
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Dodge Shadow 24
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty. tt
- Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4. tt mj
- Subject regarding wire splice repairs. sb
- Subject regarding child seat tether anchors. tt
- Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures. tt
- This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts. tt
- Daimlerchrysler corporation is now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles. tt
- Subject on the child seat tether anchors. mjs
- This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan...
- Information on child seat tether anchors. tt
1990 Dodge Shadow fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-21 | 26-29 | 21-24 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-21 | 21-29 | 19-24 |
What 1990 Dodge Shadow owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Recall 89v237000/ engine:gasket:valve cover: vehicle caught on fire while traveling at 25 MPH under the hood, local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Dealer was notified, and informed that vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's recall. Please feel free to provide any further details.
Vehicle experienced a deployment of driver's air bag from an impact of 15 MPH. Deployment caused chemical burns on driver's left hand/right wrist/chin, and neck. Also, received bruises and scratches. Dealer contacted.
While driving at approximately 35 MPH ,to avoid an accident ,driver made a quick stop and driver's airbag deployed, causing burns and bruises on face and chest.
While driving at about 35 MPH slammed on brakes to avoid hitting someone, and the airbags deployed. Consumer's jaw was injured, had to go to the hospital.
There is smoke coming off of the engine from leaking oil.
Violent deployment of airbag caused burns to arms, stomach, chest, chest and a broken sternum.
Plastic headlight covers have turned yellow, nighttime visibility is impaired.
After numerous repairs the air bag sensor light would intermittently come back on. Dealer traced cause to three burned wires located in steering column; also, consumer complained that charges were added on each time she had to bring vehicle back to dealer for repairs.
Vehicle at stop when engine caught on fire. Driver side air bag deployed.
Compare the 1990 Dodge Shadow
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Questions about the 1990 Dodge Shadow
Is the 1990 Dodge Shadow reliable?
Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 1990 Dodge Shadow, close to a typical Shadow model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Dodge Shadow?
Airbags, with 15 complaints. Next is engine (9).
How many recalls does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Dodge Shadow get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Dodge Shadow range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-21 city and 26-29 highway.
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