1989 Dodge Daytona problems & reliability
34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Dodge Daytona. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
9 complaints report injuries (11 injured, 3 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 10 | 29% |
| Air Bags | 8 | 24% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 15% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 9% |
| Steering | 3 | 9% |
| Structure | 2 | 6% |
| Wheels | 2 | 6% |
| Power Train | 1 | 3% |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While driving tire equipment separated from vehicle.*mr while driving the tire came off the vehicle. As a result the vehicle sustained damage to the front quarter panel. *ph *nlm”
Wheels · filed Nov 12, 2003
“The consumer's son was in an accident, and subsequently died along with two others, which was possibly due to a steering mechanism defect. The consumer requested information pertaining to the safety record of chrysler dodge daytona, specifically for the steering mechanism not operating properly or locking up while the…”
Steering · filed Mar 24, 2003
“I have already inquired about this problem and was told that my car was not part of the recall. I don't understand why? *ak”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Nov 1, 2000
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- DISC BRAKE LINING SPLIT
Engineering Analysis EA91029 · opened Jun 18, 1991 · closed Feb 27, 1992 · led to recall 92V017000
- TIRE RUBBING WHEEL WELL
Defect Petition DP91010 · opened May 2, 1991 · closed Jul 5, 1991
- BRAKE LINING DELAMINATION
Preliminary Evaluation PE91049 · opened Feb 21, 1991 · closed Jun 18, 1991
Technical service bulletins
20 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Dodge Daytona. The 10 most recent:
Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that…
23-014-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 23, 2015
Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty. *tt
0801001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 25, 2001
Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj
2100601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 16, 2001
Subject regarding wire splice repairs. *sb
0800600REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 29, 2000
Subject regarding child seat tether anchors. *tt
2300800B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 24, 2000
Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures. *tt
082700 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 29, 2000
Subject regarding child seat tether anchors. *tt
230800 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 3, 2000
This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts. *tt
080600 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 25, 2000
Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *mjs
233599REVA · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 1999
Information on child seat tether anchors. *tt
233599 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 3, 1999
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1989 Dodge Daytona in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1989 Dodge Daytona?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.