1991 Dodge Shadow recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 SHADOW.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V212000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 23, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 SHADOW.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V229000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 27, 1996. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 SHADOW.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V078000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary: THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 30, 1997 NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
What could happen: AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION IF THEFRONT IMPACT SENSORS ARE NOT ATTACHED.
The fix: REPAIR TO ASSURE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF FRONT IMPACT SENSORS TO BRACKETS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 SHADOW.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V194000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Summary: THE TWO AIR BAG SYSTEM FRONT IMPACT SENSORS MAY NOT BE SECURED TO THEIR MOUNTING BRACKETS.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: AIR BAG SENSORS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
5. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 SHADOW.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V162000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
Notes: SYSTEM: FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPE GUIDE, PIN BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1991 Dodge Shadow owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seats (16), Airbags (15), Body / structure (12), Steering (11), Engine (11).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/14/2005 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
DT: THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED OUT OF THE IGNITION REGARDLESS OF WHAT POSITION IT IS IN. THE VEHICLE ITSELF WHEN PLACED IN PARK IN PARKING LOT SOMEHOW IT CAME OUT OF PARK AND STRUCK A STORE FRONT WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CORRECT DEFECT. *AK
03/17/2004 · Brakes
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…
08/15/2003 · Brakes
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 *JB
03/19/2003 · Airbags · crash
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB
08/14/2002 · Body / structure
WATER IS GETTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE BETWEEN CONVERTIBLE TOP AND TOP OF WINDSHIELD. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK
06/04/2002 · Airbags · crash
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. *AK
06/04/2002 · Seat belts · crash
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.*AK
04/15/2002 · Brakes · crash
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. *AK