NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Recliner
1020.8%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
1020.8%
Frontal
918.8%
Roof AND Pillars
612.5%
Engine
510.4%
Electrical
36.3%
Gasoline
36.3%
Sensor/Control Module
24.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 6Apr 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1991 Dodge Shadow
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE96036Opened 14 May 1996Closed 31 Oct 1996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE96008Opened 25 Jan 1996Closed 28 Jun 1996SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
EA95029Opened 26 Sep 1995Closed 13 Nov 1996STEERING
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 PR...
EA95017Opened 31 May 1995Closed 19 May 1997SEATS
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
PE95002Opened 13 Jan 1995Closed 31 May 1995SEATS
SEAT BACK FAILURE
Recalls on the 1991 Dodge Shadow
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
99V212000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
97V078000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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.
96V229000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
90V194000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
90V162000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199710322,608 units in Canada
Structure
NOTE: 2 DOOR VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO RECLINE SUDDENLY AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL. CORRECTION: THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Recall 199619877,024 units in Canada
Steering
The steering wheel armature stamping may crack and separate from the centre hub of the steering column. This could adversely affect steering control and result in a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Steering wheels exhibiting cracks will be replaced. All other involved vehicles will have a anti-separation plate installed to prevent separation of the steering wheel from the steering column.
Recall 1990141977 units in Canada
Brakes
THE FRONT DISC CALIPER GUIDE BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED ADEQUATELY. THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SOME DEGREE OF ABNORMAL BRAKE FUNCTION. CORRECTION: FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Joaquin, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10012122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worthington, WVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worthington, WVCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Borough, MACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #8007595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Borough, MACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8007595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby Township, MICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #887591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Inkster, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10065116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inkster, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
NHTSA complaint #10034526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joaquin, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10012122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worthington, WVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worthington, WVCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
NHTSA complaint #8010981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Borough, MACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #8007595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Borough, MACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8007595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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
NHTSA complaint #748924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelby Township, MICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #887591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #744669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
NHTSA complaint #744671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #744669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
NHTSA complaint #744671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, NJ
SEATS
DAIMLER-CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A RECALL (#729) ON DODGE SHADOWS INVOLVING THE BOLT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK. THE CAR WAS TAKEN ON 10/12/00 TO CRYSTAL AUTO MALL AT 220 RTE. 22 WEST, GREEN BROOK, NJ TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY TOOK THE CAR IN WHILE I WAITED, AND BROUGHT IT OUT AFTER 20 MINUTES, GAVE ME A RECEIPT AND TOLD ME THE JOB WAS DONE. TODAY, IT IS 10/21/00 AND I DECIDED TO LOOK AT THE REPLACEMENT BOLT ONLY TO FIND THAT THE ORIGINAL IS STILL IN IT'S PLACE. I WAS ISSUED A RECEIPT, AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. CLEARLY, I HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF FRAUD FROM A VERY LARGE AUTO DEALER WHO HAS COMPROMISED MY SAFETY, MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, AND THOSE ON THE ROADS WHO MIGHT COLLIDE WITH ME IF THE RECALLED ITEM WERE TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF THE STUPIDITY AND NEGLIGENCE OF AN AUTO DEALER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND IF YOU NEED YOU CAN CALL ME OR MY SON HUGO CAPELLO AT WORK AT (732) 667-2081. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #734872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
ON SEPTEMBER 17,2000 @9:27AM MY BREAKS GAVE OUT ON ME COMPLETLY, 2HOURS LATER THEY WERE WORKING AGAIN, THE BRAKE LIGHT DID COME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN IT WENT AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #731779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG CAME OUT UNEXPECTEDLY & KNOCKED THE DRIVER UNCONSCIOUS. VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER DUE TO A SUDDEN STOP.
NHTSA complaint #869277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roxboro, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
CONVERTIBLE TOP IS LEAKING. IN THE SUMMER MONTHS DURING HOT WEATHER THE SEALS SHRINKS, AND THEY DON'T MET TO KEEP WATER FROM COMING IN OVER THE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #864925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewater, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FLASHED 3X AND DECREASED SPEED. ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING 4X. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA complaint #719160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edgewater, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FLASHED 3X AND DECREASED SPEED. ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING 4X. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA complaint #719160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE FLOODS ITS SELF AND SHUTS DOWN AT WILL. DEALER CLAIMS PROBLEM CAN'T BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #854478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PAINT ON MY HOOD STARTED PEELING IN LARGE CHUNKS WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS NO PRIMER UNDER THE PAINT, ONLY BARE METAL. IS THIS LEGAL? I THEN SAW ANOTHER 1991 DODGE SHADOW WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. I KEPT MY EYES OPEN AND I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT ON ALMOST ALL WHITE 1991 DODGE CARS OR TRUCKS HAVE SIMILAR PAINT PROBLEMS. I KNOW FORD HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS ONCE AND THEY TOOK RESPONSIBILITY. WILL CHRYSLER?NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #715097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
SEATS
CONSUMER WAS CHARGED DURING RECALL REPAIR (99V-212). MJS
NHTSA complaint #549355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mililani, HI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE STALLING DUE TO FAILURE OF THE O2 SENSOR. MJS
NHTSA complaint #549355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holden, MO
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
LIGHTER FLIES OUT OF IT'S CASING WHEN HOT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holden, MO
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
LIGHTER FLIES OUT OF IT'S CASING WHEN HOT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.