1992 Dodge Shadow: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1992 Dodge Shadow: 4 recalls, 73 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #92V015000 · 1992 · 20,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The zinc plating operation performed on the upper steering column shaft coupling bolt caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
Why it matters: Fractures of the upper steering column shaft couplingbolt result in a lack of coupling load on the shaft and loss of steeringcontrol.
The fix: Replace the zinc plated bolt with a phosphate plated bolt.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V229000 · 1996 · 675,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for armature cracks in the center hub attachment area. Any steering wheels showing cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
Seats Vehicle recall #97V078000 · 1997 · 148,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat can fail and separate.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat with a higher strength bolt that includes a self locking nylon patch.
Seats Vehicle recall #99V212000 · 1999 · 227,283 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver seat can fail and separate.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat with a higher strength bolt that includes a self locking nylon patch.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seats (19): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (12): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), electrical failure (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1992 Dodge Shadow has 73 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 9 Shadow model years for complaints (1.6× the average Shadow year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 82,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (89 complaints, 5 recalls), 1993 (107 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | 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 1992 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1992 Dodge Shadow have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1992 Dodge Shadow. 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 1992 Dodge Shadow problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seats (19), airbags (12), electrical (7).
What gas mileage does the 1992 Dodge Shadow get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1992 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.