1991 Dodge Shadow Recalls, Complaints & Specs
5 safety recalls list the 1991 Dodge Shadow, and owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
5 safety recalls for the 1991 Dodge Shadow
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Recliner (seats)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver seat can fail and separate.
Remedy: 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.
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Recliner (seats)
The lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver's seat can fail and separate.
Remedy: 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.
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Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)
The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Remedy: 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…
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Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
The two air bag system front impact sensors may not be secured to their mounting brackets.
Remedy: Repair to assure proper attachment of front impact sensors to brackets.
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Caliper (service brakes)
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not have been adequately torqued and could loosen.
Remedy: Properly torque front brake caliper guide pin bolts to 250 pounds.
89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 1991 Dodge Shadow have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA; 19 describe a crash and 2 describe a fire. Reports cite 18 injuries and 1 death. Complaints peaked in 1997 with 26 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“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 spee”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, March 17, 2004 · 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,”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, August 15, 2003 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 1991 Dodge Shadow (Shadow Convertible). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 18–25 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 17–21 / 21–31 |
| Fuel | Premium, Regular |
| EPA class | Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars |
| Engine | 4 cyl, 2.2/2.5 L |
| Transmission | Automatic 3-spd; Manual 5-spd |
Compare Dodge Shadow model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Dodge Shadow model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 Dodge Shadow | 1 | 0 |
| 1986 Dodge Shadow | 1 | 1 |
| 1987 Dodge Shadow | 2 | 12 |
| 1988 Dodge Shadow | 2 | 12 |
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 2 | 33 |
| 1990 Dodge Shadow | 1 | 40 |
| 1991 Dodge Shadow | 5 | 89 |
| 1992 Dodge Shadow | 4 | 73 |
| 1993 Dodge Shadow | 1 | 107 |
| 1994 Dodge Shadow | 1 | 94 |
| 1995 Dodge Shadow | 0 | 1 |
| 1997 Dodge Shadow | 0 | 2 |
| 1998 Dodge Shadow | 0 | 1 |
| 1999 Dodge Shadow | 0 | 1 |
Checking a specific 1991 Dodge Shadow
How do I know if my 1991 Dodge Shadow has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 5 campaigns currently list the 1991 Dodge Shadow; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Dodge dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 90V162000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Dodge models
- Durango13,770 complaints
- Grand Caravan13,508 complaints
- RAM 150012,416 complaints
- Caravan10,526 complaints
- Dakota6,629 complaints
- RAM 25006,443 complaints
- Intrepid6,228 complaints
- Charger5,741 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.