1993 Dodge Shadow Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Dodge Shadow, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Interior & seats2319.7%
- Engine1412.0%
- Transmission1210.3%
- Body & structure119.4%
- Brakes108.5%
- Suspension108.5%
- Airbags97.7%
- Electrical76.0%
- Steering43.4%
- Powertrain (other)43.4%
- Driver assistance32.6%
- Fuel system32.6%
- Visibility21.7%
- Exterior lighting21.7%
- Seat belts21.7%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD INTO THE REAR SEATS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TOP BOLT WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE EXACT SAME FAILURE SIX YEARS PRIOR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V212000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 196,700.
DT: THE VEHCILE IS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW ES. THE PROBLEM STARTED SOMETIME IN MARCH 2001. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHEN SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD IN HE STEERING WHEEL AREA. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY REPLACED THE WIRE TO THE PARKING SWITCH AND THE PROPORTIANAL VALVE, IGNITION SWITCH, AND WIRING CONNECTOR TO THE SWITCH. THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION ALSO, BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING THEY ADDED NEW CLUTCHES. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. SHE HAD TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INLINE FUSES. THEN ON JULY 8, 2005 AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN OFF FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES IT WAS STILL HOT. THEY TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE LATER IT WOULD NOT START. THE DOME LIGHT, HEAD LIGHTS, AND ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON. THE NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR WAS STILL ON. ALL THE NEEDLES ON THE GAUGES WERE GOING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT WENT DEAD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND IT IS STILL THERE. THEY CAN NOT FIND WHY IT KEEPS BLOWING FUSES.*AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM
ENGINE OVER POWERS MOTOR MOUNTS AND CONTINUOUSLY RIPS THEM APART. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****765219
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE VEHCILE IS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW ES. THE PROBLEM STARTED SOMETIME IN MARCH 2001. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHEN SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD IN HE STEERING WHEEL AREA. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY REPLACED THE WIRE TO THE PARKING SWITCH AND THE PROPORTIANAL VALVE, IGNITION SWITCH, AND WIRING CONNECTOR TO THE SWITCH. THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION ALSO, BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING THEY ADDED NEW CLUTCHES. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. SHE HAD TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INLINE FUSES. THEN ON JULY 8, 2005 AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN OFF FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES IT WAS STILL HOT. THEY TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE LATER IT WOULD NOT START. THE DOME LIGHT, HEAD LIGHTS, AND ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON. THE NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR WAS STILL ON. ALL THE NEEDLES ON THE GAUGES WERE GOING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT WENT DEAD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND IT IS STILL THERE. THEY CAN NOT FIND WHY IT KEEPS BLOWING FUSES.*AK
TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE REPLACED BY DODGE LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL???????
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THINGS STARTES HAPPENING,IT WAS USED WITH NO WARRANTY,MY FAULT BUT I CAN'T AFORD TO FIX DODGE'S MISTAKES. WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE I WAS GOING TO WORK AND WAS LATE BESIDES ALMOST WRECKING. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. I WANT TO TRADE IT IN AND GET SOMETHING ELSE BUT NO ONE WILL TAKE THIS CAR. *AK
DOORS PINS IN THE HINGES ARE RUSTING OUT, AND CAUSING THE DOOR TO DROP. CONSUMER UNABLE TO CLOSE / LATCH PROPERLY. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THROTTLE STUCK OPEN, ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE. A TREE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV HIGH. BRAKES CAUGHT ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF TRYING TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK
REAR AXLE CONTINUALLY BREAKS. MJS
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
RATTLING IN REAR END WITH SWAYING THAT SEEMED TO INDICATE REAR SHOCK FAILURE, ONCE A GARAGE INSPECTED IT, THE CRACKED REAR TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLY WAS DISCOVERED. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT DENY IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. NICE TO KNOW THE REAR END IN A DODGE IS GOOD FOR LESS THAN 50000 MILES.*AK
WHILE TRAVELING HEARD A HARD NOISE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED REAR SWAY BAR HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *ET
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON 395 AND TRAVELLING 45MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, AND SLAMMED BACKWARDS INTO A GUARDRAIL. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO, DRIVER'S SEAT BACK DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR, AND THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED CAUSING INJERY TO CONSUMER'S BACK . *AK.ET.
WHEN WASHING THE CAR - THE PAINT JUST PEELED OFF AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE VEHCILE IS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW ES. THE PROBLEM STARTED SOMETIME IN MARCH 2001. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHEN SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD IN HE STEERING WHEEL AREA. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY REPLACED THE WIRE TO THE PARKING SWITCH AND THE PROPORTIANAL VALVE, IGNITION SWITCH, AND WIRING CONNECTOR TO THE SWITCH. THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION ALSO, BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING THEY ADDED NEW CLUTCHES. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. SHE HAD TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INLINE FUSES. THEN ON JULY 8, 2005 AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN OFF FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES IT WAS STILL HOT. THEY TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE LATER IT WOULD NOT START. THE DOME LIGHT, HEAD LIGHTS, AND ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON. THE NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR WAS STILL ON. ALL THE NEEDLES ON THE GAUGES WERE GOING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT WENT DEAD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND IT IS STILL THERE. THEY CAN NOT FIND WHY IT KEEPS BLOWING FUSES.*AK
CONSUMER HAD PULLED INSIDE OF DRIVEWAY AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF. IT STARTED SMOKING FROM THE DASHBOARD, ELECTRICAL FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE. THERE WERE NO HEADLIGHTS AT ALL.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTHING
WHEN DRIVING THE TRAILING ARM AND THE BUSHING CRACKED, CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AXLE BROKE ON DRIVER SIDE DUE TO MANUFACTURER'S FAULT WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED REAR WHEEL TO FALL. NEW AXLE HAS BEEN REDISIGNED. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 -35 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE'S REAR DROPPED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REAR AXLE BROKE IN HALF. *AK *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THROTTLE STUCK OPEN, ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE. A TREE STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV HIGH. BRAKES CAUGHT ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF TRYING TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE TROTTLE STICKS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
HI WHAT I HAVE IS A QUESTION REGARDING A LOOSE VACUUM HOSE ON A 1993 DODGE SHADOW. I WAS WONDERING IF I COULD HAVE SUFFERED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM IT HAVING BEEN DISCONNECTED (INTENTIONALLY) AND ME DRIVING THE CAR ON AND OFF FOR 2 YEARS? *TR
FUEL LEAKAGE CAUSED BY RIGHT BRAKE LINE BRACKET THAT WAS SHOVED INTO BRAKE LINE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CHRYSLER DEALER INFORMED HER THAT A ROLL OF TUBING WOULD NEED TO BE PURCHASED AND THEN MOLDED TO FIT THE AREA. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, HEAVY RAIN, WINDSHIELD WIPER CONNECTION BETWEEN AXLE AND WIPER ARM WORKS LOOSE WITHOUT WARNING; IMPAIRS DRIVER'S VISION; COULD CAUSE CRASH; DEALER RECOMMENDED TIGHTENING DOWN/PUT ON LOCK TIGHT. OWNER FOLLOWED PROCEDURE 1 YEAR AGO, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK
LEFT/REAR WINDOW IS SMALL AND PILLAR IS TOO LARGE, RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE VEHCILE IS A 1993 DODGE SHADOW ES. THE PROBLEM STARTED SOMETIME IN MARCH 2001. THE CONTACT HAD JUST PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, WHEN SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD IN HE STEERING WHEEL AREA. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS. THEY REPLACED THE WIRE TO THE PARKING SWITCH AND THE PROPORTIANAL VALVE, IGNITION SWITCH, AND WIRING CONNECTOR TO THE SWITCH. THEY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION ALSO, BECAUSE IT WAS SLIPPING THEY ADDED NEW CLUTCHES. IN MARCH OF 2005 THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. SHE HAD TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INLINE FUSES. THEN ON JULY 8, 2005 AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN OFF FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES IT WAS STILL HOT. THEY TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE LATER IT WOULD NOT START. THE DOME LIGHT, HEAD LIGHTS, AND ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON. THE NOISE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR WAS STILL ON. ALL THE NEEDLES ON THE GAUGES WERE GOING IN CIRCLES. THEN IT WENT DEAD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND IT IS STILL THERE. THEY CAN NOT FIND WHY IT KEEPS BLOWING FUSES.*AK
HEADLIGHT SWITCH GETS VERY HOT WHERE IT CAN BURN DRIVER'S FINGERS AND IT IS CAUSING MELTING WITHIN THE WIRES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FELL OFF WHILE OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE. *AK
THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTOR DID NOT RETRACT DURING AN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE PULLEY POPPED OFF, ALSO HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING/ TRANSMISSION REBUILT DUE TO SLIPPAGE/ HOOD WAS WARPED AND AIR CONDITIONING MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .