1991 Dodge Shadow problems & reliability
89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1991 Dodge Shadow. 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.
18 complaints report injuries (18 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1991 Dodge Shadow vehicles were involved in 3 fatal crashes with 3 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 16 | 18% |
| Air Bags | 14 | 16% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 10% |
| Structure | 9 | 10% |
| Steering | 8 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 8% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 7% |
| Power Train | 6 | 7% |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 7% |
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
“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…”
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Apr 2, 2004
“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”
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Sep 11, 2003
“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”
Air Bags · filed Jun 4, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE POSITION
Preliminary Evaluation PE96036 · opened May 14, 1996 · closed Oct 31, 1996
- SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
Preliminary Evaluation PE96008 · opened Jan 25, 1996 · closed Jun 28, 1996
- STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
Engineering Analysis EA95029 · opened Sep 26, 1995 · closed Nov 13, 1996 · led to recall 96V229000
- SEAT BACK BOLT FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA95017 · opened May 31, 1995 · closed May 19, 1997 · led to recall 97V078000
- SEAT BACK FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE95002 · opened Jan 13, 1995 · closed May 31, 1995
Technical service bulletins
25 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1991 Dodge Shadow. The 10 most recent:
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
Daimlerchrysler corporation is now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles. *tt
083799 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 12, 1999
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 1991 Dodge Shadow 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 1991 Dodge Shadow?
- · 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.