1990 Dodge Shadow: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Dodge Shadow: 1 recall, 40 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #89V237000 · 1989 · 634,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine valve cover gasket May dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
Why it matters: The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
The fix: Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #08E033000 · 2008 · 6,903 vehicles
What's wrong: The part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. These parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Why it matters: The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. If the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members May loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. This May result in loss of vehicle control,…
The fix: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Engine & cooling (9): the most common themes are leaks (5), fire / smoke (4).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Suspension (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Dodge Shadow has 40 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 9 Shadow model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 45). Complaints peaked in 1995 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 111,632 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (89 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Dodge Shadow.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Dodge Shadow have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 Dodge Shadow, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Dodge Shadow problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (15), engine & cooling (9), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Dodge Shadow get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Dodge Shadow repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.