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1991 Dodge Shadow problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Dodge Shadow is seats. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Shadow model year.

Typical year2.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
88
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
25
Worst area
Seats
Fuel economy
18-25mpg

The worst 1991 Dodge Shadow problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Seats
    16
  • Airbags
    13
  • Body
    9
  • Engine
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Brakes
    7
  • Electrical
    6
  • Transmission
    6
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Suspension
    3
  • Visibility
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls 5

Seats: front assembly: reclinerReported August 6, 1999 · 227,283 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver seat can fail and separate.
Risk
If the bolt fails while the vehicle is being driven, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat with a higher strength bolt that includes a self locking nylon patch.

Recall number 99V212000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: reclinerReported May 10, 1997 · 148,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat can fail and separate.
Risk
If the bolt fails while the vehicle is being driven, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat with a higher strength bolt that includes a self locking nylon patch.

Recall number 97V078000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 18, 1996 · 675,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Risk
If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Any steering wheels showing cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.

Recall number 96V229000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactiveReported November 19, 1990 · 398 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The two air bag system front impact sensors may not be secured to their mounting brackets.
Risk
Air bag will not deploy in a frontal collision if thefront impact sensors are not attached.
Remedy
Repair to assure proper attachment of front impact sensors to brackets.

Recall number 90V194000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported September 4, 1990 · 18,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not have been adequately torqued and could loosen.
Risk
This could cause reduced braking effectiveness and couldresult in an accident.
Remedy
Properly torque front brake caliper guide pin bolts to 250 pounds.

Recall number 90V162000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 1991 Dodge Shadow

Defect investigations

Throttle will not return to the positionOpened May 14, 1996, closed October 31, 1996

Uncontrolled engine speed condition results fro throttle shaft binding

PE96036

Safety blt latch operationOpened January 25, 1996, closed June 28, 1996

There is no summary currently available

PE96008

Steering wheel separationOpened September 26, 1995, closed November 13, 1996

After an extensive investigation and analysis, chrysler has identified the defect as a fatigue failure, origination in the heat affected region of the projection welds of the steering wheel hub to steering wheel armature attachment.the hub is the portion of the steering wheel assembly that connects it to the steering column shaft and is attached to the underside of the steering wheel assembly by 4 welds.if cracks develop in the heat affected region of the welds and propagate through the steering wheel armature to each of the welds, the steering wheel can separate from the hub.this is a slow progressive failure which normally occurs at high mileage.in some cases complainants have reported a looseness or wobbling of the steering wheel prior to separation.to remedy this defect, chrysler will inspect the steering wheels of the affected vehicles for cracks in the hub area.if any cracks are found, the steering wheel will be replaced.all other vehicles will have reinforcing plates installed which would prevent a steering wheel separation should cracking occur.

EA95029

Seat back bolt failureOpened May 31, 1995, closed May 19, 1997

The driver seat back can collapse without warning resulting in potential for loss of vehicle control.the lower bolt (one of two bolts that supports the seat back assembly) can fatigue and break

EA95017

Seat back failureOpened January 13, 1995, closed May 31, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE95002

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Shadow 25

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 25 bulletins for the 1991 Dodge Shadow

1991 Dodge Shadow fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylFWD17-2121-3118-25
2.2L 4‑cylFWD18-2125-2820-23

What 1991 Dodge Shadow owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Brakes · MI

Contaminated brake system which would cost $800-$1500. To repair. *ph the dealer was notified of the problem. The consumer noticed that the brakes felt like something was holding them up at lower speeds. Both service facilities stated the wrong oil was in the braking system instead of brake fluid. The consumer requested reimbursement for the repair costs.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Brakes · MI

Problems with 1991 dodge shadow. Problems with brakes at lower speeds.*mr two different certified mechanics stated the vehicle shouldn't be driven until repairs are made. The fuel filter was replaced, brake system flushed, and tire rotation. *ph

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Airbags · TX · crash

The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, and the air bags failed to deploy.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Seat belts · WV · crash · 1 injury

While driving 55 MPH and without warning was involved in in a head-on collision. Driver's side seat belt snapped in half, causing minor injuries.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Airbags · WV · crash · 1 injury

While driving 55 MPH and without warning was involved in a head-on collision. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy, and consumer sustained bodily injuries.

Filed Apr 15, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · MA · crash · 1 injury

While driving 35 MPH had slowed down, consumer applied accelerator and accelerator pedal stuck. Applied brakes and brakes didnot stop vehicle. Vehicle kept accelerating, hitting vehicles and a gas pump. Vehicle totaled, driver injured.

Filed Jul 22, 2001 · Lights · FL

I have observed that every dodge shadow has cloudy headlight covers which substantially reduce the effetiveness of the headlights. . Other vehicles have the glass sealed beams with the opaque and cloudy plastic headlight beams b

Filed May 7, 2001 · Airbags · MI · crash

Was travling at about 25 MPH when crossing into a nother lane consumer rear ended another vehicle, and air bags did not deploy. Has not contacted dealer.

Filed Apr 28, 2001 · Body · CA

The top leaks water bad when I wash the car or it rains.it goes down the windows and on to the seats in front.

Filed Apr 28, 2001 · Steering · CA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 Dodge Shadow before you buy

Compare the 1991 Dodge Shadow

Other model years

199019911992199319941995199719981999

Questions about the 1991 Dodge Shadow

Is the 1991 Dodge Shadow reliable?

Owners have filed 88 complaints about the 1991 Dodge Shadow, 2.2 times a typical Shadow model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Dodge Shadow?

Seats, with 16 complaints. Next is airbags (13).

How many recalls does the 1991 Dodge Shadow have?

5 recalls, covering seats, steering and air bags.

What gas mileage does the 1991 Dodge Shadow get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Dodge Shadow range from 18 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-21 city and 21-31 highway.

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