Tl*the contact owns a 1992 dodge shadow. The contact stated that the ignition switch stayed in the acc position and was difficult to turn over into an on and off position. The contact mentioned that while driving the key fell out and the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
The worst 1992 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.
- Seats19
- Airbags12
- Electrical7
- Body6
- Transmission6
- Engine5
- Brakes4
- Steering4
- Suspension4
- Locks2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Dodge Shadow
Recalls 4
Seats: front assembly: recliner
- 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: recliner
- 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 bar
- 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
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The zinc plating operation performed on the upper steering column shaft coupling bolt caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
- Risk
- Fractures of the upper steering column shaft couplingbolt result in a lack of coupling load on the shaft and loss of steeringcontrol.
- Remedy
- Replace the zinc plated bolt with a phosphate plated bolt.
Recall number 92V015000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1992 Dodge Shadow
Defect investigations
Throttle will not return to the position
Uncontrolled engine speed condition results fro throttle shaft binding
PE96036
Safety blt latch operation
There is no summary currently available
PE96008
Steering wheel separation
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 failure
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 failure
There is no summary currently available
PE95002
Interior fires
There is no summary currently available
PE94069
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Dodge Shadow 35
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
1992 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 | 21-23 | 26-29 | 23-25 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17-20 | 22-29 | 19-23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16-18 | 24-26 | 19-21 |
What 1992 Dodge Shadow owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The recall repair on this vehicle was incorrectly performed. I am friend of the original owner of this car. She had purchased this car when it was new. From day one, I had noticed that the seats in her car were not locking into position when front passenger and driver were seated. Several years later (1999?), dodge had issued a recall on her car. They said that the seats had a problem with the locking mechanism. My friend brought her car into the dealership for the recall service on her seats. Several months later, I had noticed that the lock mechanism was still failing to lock into position. I had mentioned this problem to her. But, she insisted that the dealership had told her that they had serviced the seat locks according to recall directives. (fast forward to year 2014): my friend has given this vehicle to me. I immediately noticed that the front seat locks would pose a safety issue if the car ever got involved in any collision. I brought this to the attention of dodge headquarters. They responded by stating that I should bring this matter to my local dealership. I then brought this matter to the attention of a local dodge dealership. The local dodge service rep had told me that, due to the age of the car, dodge is no longer obligated to remedy the previously-botched recall service.
Material failure on front tires identical to those on SUV's. Tires purchased in 1999.
When applying gas pedal vehicle revs and will not stop, revwing up to a higher speed, even after releasing pressure from the gas pedal. Brakes have to be applied in order to keep engine from revving.
Due to a shortage of wires underneath the hood. The vehicle caught on fire inside of the parking lot. Nlm
The pressure system that holds up the trunk stopped working. Now the trunk will not stay open and several injuries have happened from the trunk slamming down on people's heads and hands.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Vehicle fire caused by an electrical short circut in underdash wire harness. Vehicle was totaled. Chrysler has been contacted at this time.
When attempting to place vehicle from park to reverse or drive vehicle will not engage into the selected gear. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced transmission three times. Please provide any further details.
Driver of vehicle hit a deer. Then ran off the road and hit a tree head-on at about 40mph. Upon impact, driver's side airbag came out and did not inflate fully due to a hole in airbag. Gas escaped into the passenger's compartment. Dealer has vehicle now.
Compare the 1992 Dodge Shadow
Other model years
Questions about the 1992 Dodge Shadow
Is the 1992 Dodge Shadow reliable?
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 1992 Dodge Shadow, 1.8 times a typical Shadow model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 Dodge Shadow?
Seats, with 19 complaints. Next is airbags (12).
How many recalls does the 1992 Dodge Shadow have?
4 recalls, covering seats and steering.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Dodge Shadow get?
Official estimates for the 1992 Dodge Shadow range from 19 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-23 city and 26-29 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1992 Dodge Shadow?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history