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
1231.6%
Frontal
1026.3%
Rear
410.5%
Automatic Transmission
410.5%
Axle Assembly
25.3%
Latch
25.3%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
25.3%
Exhaust System
25.3%
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.
Feb 1995peak 5Mar 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 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
PE94069Opened 14 Sep 1994Closed 31 Jan 1995UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INTERIOR FIRES
Recalls on the 1992 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.
92V015000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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.
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 19920182,829 units in Canada
Steering
A steering column coupling bolt may fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement, causing loss of clamping load on the steering column shaft coupling with resultant loss of steering control. Correction: Zinc plated steering column coupling bolts will be replaced with a phosphate coated bolt.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Newton, MSFire
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF WIRES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8004031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hills, CA1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #744234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredrick, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT IN UNDERDASH WIRE HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #874119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsville, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #854001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamoca Park, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID'NT DEPLOY PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #836376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TNCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE CAR IS UNDER RECALL FOR SEATBACK FAILURE, AND THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMEDY. THE OWNER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE RECALLED PART.
NHTSA complaint #814986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,000 milesGreeley, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10692976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesWestbury, NY
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10625807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
TIRES
MATERIAL FAILURE ON FRONT TIRES IDENTICAL TO THOSE ON SUV'S. TIRES PURCHASED IN 1999.
NHTSA complaint #762699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PT. Jefferson Statio, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #8005176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, MSFire
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
DUE TO A SHORTAGE OF WIRES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8004031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hills, CA1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #744234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgewater, MA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #743888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredrick, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT IN UNDERDASH WIRE HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #874119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #869355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsville, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #854001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, OH
PARKING BRAKE
CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL RELEASED BY ITSELF ON THREE OCCASIONS FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #832697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenmore, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
PAINT IS PEELING AND DEFECTIVE. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #701220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION EXPERIENCED LOCKS UP CAUSING KEY TO NOT TURN. ONCE CONSUMER GET KEY TO TURN THE STARTER WON'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #548392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A WHILE CONSUMER NOTICES GASSY FUMES ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIS EYE TO WATER.
NHTSA complaint #548392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
IGNITION EXPERIENCED LOCKS UP CAUSING KEY TO NOT TURN. ONCE CONSUMER GET KEY TO TURN THE STARTER WON'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #548392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hewitt, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
ORIGINAL PAINT IS PEELING OFF BODY DUE TO ERRORS AT THE FACTORY. WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CRACK AND WE WERE INFORMED BY INSTALLER THAT IT MAY LEAK OR COME LOOSE IN A CRASH AS THE PAINT IS LOOSE AND THE SEALANT HAS NOTHING TO ADHERE TO.
NHTSA complaint #712067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
A PART OF THE EMISSION SYSTEM CAME OFF CAUSING BLOCKAGE WITHIN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MUFFLER, CAUSING POOR ACCELERATION. MJS
NHTSA complaint #546418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abbet, ME
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING 35MPH REAR END LET LOOSE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #842421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
RECEIVED SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS ON SEATBACK BOLT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN THEIR AREA SINCE 21 NOV 1998 FOR A APPOINTMENT. NO ONE CALLED BACK.RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE, AND AGAIN CONTACTED THE SAME DEALER. WAS TOLD SOMEONE WILL CALLED BACK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. AGAIN NO ONE CALLED BACK. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #841750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
RECEIVED SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS CONCERNING SEATBACK BOLT FAILURE. BEEN WAITING FOR AN APPOINTMENT SINCE 21 OF NOVEMBER, 98. AGAIN CONTACTED DEALER AND INFORMED HIM OF AN APPOINTMENT NEEDED FOR RECALL REPAIRS. DEALER STATED AGAIN THAT THEY WOULD CALL CONSUMER BACK WITH AN APPOINTMENT. STILL NOT RECEIVED AN APPOINTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #841802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Splendora, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PAINT APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE TRUE OF ALL WHITE DODGE PRODUCTS. I WANT THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED. WHAT CAN I DO. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #705575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamoca Park, MDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE SIDE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID'NT DEPLOY PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #836376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
PAINT IS WHITE IN COLOR. PAINT LIFTS OFF OF CAR, LOOKS LIKE NO RESIDUE UNDER PEELING PAINT.
NHTSA complaint #702610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catskill, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TEMPERATURE GUAGE IS READING EXTREMELY HOT, BUT ALL THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PERFORMED INDICATED THE CAR IS NOT OVERHEATING. PROBLEM IS NOT REFLECTING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATOR, TSB 081593. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #833467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonneau, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT STARTED PEELING RIGHT AT 6 MONTHS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #700938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.