RoadVitals

1992 Dodge Spirit Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
58
Latest Sep 7, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Dodge Spirit, 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

  • Brakes913.2%
  • Engine811.8%
  • Powertrain (other)68.8%
  • Airbags57.4%
  • Interior & seats45.9%
  • Steering34.4%
  • Body & structure34.4%
  • Visibility34.4%
  • Driver assistance34.4%
  • Suspension34.4%
  • Fuel system22.9%
  • Exterior lighting11.5%

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

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS USED ON ALL SPIRITS, ACCLAIMS, LEBARON SEDANS, CIRRUS, STRATUS, ALL MINIVANS MUST BE INVESTIGATED. THERE IS A BUILT IN DEFECT. I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS SOONER, BUT I WAS A CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE. THE SECOND TIME THE TRANS FAILED WAS AT 65-70 MPH IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, CAUGHT ON FIRE AS WELL, SMOKE ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK

NHTSA ID 749553 · filed Aug 1, 2001

I DID A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT I HAD THE DATE I BOUGHT THE CAR WRONG, I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1999 MAY 8, I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS SAFETY WISE. I HAVE A DODGE SHEET RECALL LISING THE TBS NUMBER FOR THE ITEMS ON MY CAR THAT HAV\E A DEFAUL\T IN IT IS AS FOLLOWS #081695A SPEED CONTROL DONT WORK, #2210695A SHIFT QUALITY POOR #31804936 POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING, #4210193 WHISTLING NOISE AT IDLE, NUMBER 5110193 SQUEAKING NOISE FROM EXHAUST PIPE. NUMBER #7 060292 IGNITION KEY HARD TO TURN, 050692 REAR BRAKE RATTLES THE SPPED ODOMETER NEVER WORKED, I DID NOT RECEIVE A OWNER MANUAL, I RECEIVE THE LIST FROM AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIONS FOR 1992 DODGE SPIRIT V6-181 3.0L SOCH VIN 3 FL PROVIDE BY ALLDATA ISSUE FEB 92 SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 538 TSB NUMBER 538, I HAVE A LOT OF OTHER DEFEACTS PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 719079 · filed Feb 22, 2000
All 10 reports naming transmission

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKES: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND WAS APPROACHING A LIGHT, ATTEMTED TO STOP BRAKES GRABBED, BUT DID NOT HOLD. CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND WE WOUND UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. DEALER CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ID 817875 · filed Oct 29, 1997

POWER STEERING FAILURE; CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 546812 · filed Feb 21, 1997
All 9 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHRYSLER TRANSMISSIONS USED ON ALL SPIRITS, ACCLAIMS, LEBARON SEDANS, CIRRUS, STRATUS, ALL MINIVANS MUST BE INVESTIGATED. THERE IS A BUILT IN DEFECT. I WOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS SOONER, BUT I WAS A CHRYSLER EMPLOYEE. THE SECOND TIME THE TRANS FAILED WAS AT 65-70 MPH IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, CAUGHT ON FIRE AS WELL, SMOKE ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK

NHTSA ID 749553 · filed Aug 1, 2001

SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR, I HAD TO HAVE A LOT OF REPAIRS, I JUST LEARN FROM A CAR DEALER THAT DODGE SPIRIT 92 ARE RECALLED CARS, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PAINT PEELING SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR, WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT AT HAD ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE CAR THAT WAS PEELING, NOW ITS PEELING VERY WHERE, THE DAY I DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH THE CAR I NOTICED THE ODOMETER WAS NOT WORKING AND TO THIS DAY IT STILL DO NOT WORK, SO I DONT KNOW HOW FAST I DRIVE, WHEN I DRIVE I LOSE POWER RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THIS IS SCARY AND DANGEROUS, IT JUST CUT OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID 719065 · filed Feb 21, 2000
All 8 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEAD GASKET CRACKED ON ORIGINAL AND ON THE SAMEPLACE ON THE REPLACEMENT. *SLC

NHTSA ID 881155 · filed Feb 22, 2001

I DID A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT I HAD THE DATE I BOUGHT THE CAR WRONG, I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1999 MAY 8, I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS SAFETY WISE. I HAVE A DODGE SHEET RECALL LISING THE TBS NUMBER FOR THE ITEMS ON MY CAR THAT HAV\E A DEFAUL\T IN IT IS AS FOLLOWS #081695A SPEED CONTROL DONT WORK, #2210695A SHIFT QUALITY POOR #31804936 POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING, #4210193 WHISTLING NOISE AT IDLE, NUMBER 5110193 SQUEAKING NOISE FROM EXHAUST PIPE. NUMBER #7 060292 IGNITION KEY HARD TO TURN, 050692 REAR BRAKE RATTLES THE SPPED ODOMETER NEVER WORKED, I DID NOT RECEIVE A OWNER MANUAL, I RECEIVE THE LIST FROM AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIONS FOR 1992 DODGE SPIRIT V6-181 3.0L SOCH VIN 3 FL PROVIDE BY ALLDATA ISSUE FEB 92 SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 538 TSB NUMBER 538, I HAVE A LOT OF OTHER DEFEACTS PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 719079 · filed Feb 22, 2000
All 8 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER QUIT WORKING. ON 04/23, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK FOR THE FIRST 5 MILES, THEN IT WOULD START WORKING. ON 4/27 THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. ON 01/07/98, I WAS CHARGED 320.52 TO REPLACE THE SPEED AND EMISSION SENSORS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO GET THIS DEFECT CORRECTED. WITH ACCESSING THIS WEBSITE I WAS UNAWARE THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE DEALER (ZANGARA DODGE) KNEW ABOUT THESE DEFEATS YEARS IN ADVANCE, YET I WAS CHARGED TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. SINCE THIS PROBLEM HAS REACCURED, ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WILL BE APPRECIATED. DRIVING WITHOUT A SPEEDOMETER IS SCARY AND VERY DANGEROUS....I JUST DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER $320 TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *AK

NHTSA ID 722040 · filed Apr 28, 2000

SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR, I HAD TO HAVE A LOT OF REPAIRS, I JUST LEARN FROM A CAR DEALER THAT DODGE SPIRIT 92 ARE RECALLED CARS, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PAINT PEELING SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR, WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT AT HAD ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE CAR THAT WAS PEELING, NOW ITS PEELING VERY WHERE, THE DAY I DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH THE CAR I NOTICED THE ODOMETER WAS NOT WORKING AND TO THIS DAY IT STILL DO NOT WORK, SO I DONT KNOW HOW FAST I DRIVE, WHEN I DRIVE I LOSE POWER RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, THIS IS SCARY AND DANGEROUS, IT JUST CUT OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID 719065 · filed Feb 21, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM RETRACTING WHAT I REPORTED ON MY AIRBAG LIGHT...IT DOES COME ON AND THEN GO OUT BUT STILL...I DONT KNOW IF ITS SAFE... UPDATED

NHTSA ID 11253912 · filed Sep 7, 2019

TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID 11253903 · filed Sep 7, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK BROKE. OWNER NOTES THAT DEALERS STATED A BOLT BROKE. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ID 814285 · filed Jul 16, 1997

RECLINER MECHANISM ON DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, ALLOWING SEAT BACK TO FALL BACKWARDS. *SD

NHTSA ID 500790 · filed Jan 17, 1996

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE. RACTURES OF UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT, COULD RESULT IN LACK OF COUPLING LOAD AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. RECALL 92V-015.

NHTSA ID 780347 · filed Aug 5, 1998

POWER STEERING FAILURE; CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 546812 · filed Feb 21, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HINGE BROKE WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ID 855921 · filed Feb 1, 2000

THE TRUNK SEAL LEAKS AT THE UPPER CORNERS OF THE TRUNK. WATER COLLECTED INSIDE AND TRUNK HAS RUSTED IN CERTAIN AREAS. THE JACK AND SPARE TIRE, WHICH SAT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK, WERE BEYOND REPAIR. ALSO, SEVERAL TIMES THE TURN SIGNALS HAVE FAILED. USUALLY HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART THE CAR TO GET THEM TO WORK. ELECTRICAL SHORT OF SOME KIND?

NHTSA ID 706384 · filed May 10, 1999

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LEFT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM OR PIVOT SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE IN HEAVY SNOW. THE RIGHT SIDE WIPER CONTINUED TO WORK BUT THE LEFT SIDE ONLY MOVED INCHES IF AT ALL. WHILE TRYING TO PULL OFF I-79 I NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR DUE TO SNOW COVERED LEFT SIDE WINDSHIELD. WIPER ARM IS LOOSE ON PIVOT OR PIVOT IS LOOSE. WE'VE HAD THE PROBLEM BEFORE, DODGE WAS TO ORDER A REPLACEMENT PIVOT WHEN THE CAR WAS IN MY MOTHER'S NAME. *LA

NHTSA ID 10052697 · filed Jan 8, 2004

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED COMPLETELY. DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A GROUND WIRE FOR PROPER CONNECTION. TT WIPER MOTOR IS MOUNTED ON A PLATE AND PLATE IS ATTACHED TO CHASSIS, BOLTS ON MOUNTING PLATE HAD POOR GROUND CONNECTION. *SLC

NHTSA ID 974785 · filed Nov 8, 1995

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I DID A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT I HAD THE DATE I BOUGHT THE CAR WRONG, I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1999 MAY 8, I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS SAFETY WISE. I HAVE A DODGE SHEET RECALL LISING THE TBS NUMBER FOR THE ITEMS ON MY CAR THAT HAV\E A DEFAUL\T IN IT IS AS FOLLOWS #081695A SPEED CONTROL DONT WORK, #2210695A SHIFT QUALITY POOR #31804936 POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING, #4210193 WHISTLING NOISE AT IDLE, NUMBER 5110193 SQUEAKING NOISE FROM EXHAUST PIPE. NUMBER #7 060292 IGNITION KEY HARD TO TURN, 050692 REAR BRAKE RATTLES THE SPPED ODOMETER NEVER WORKED, I DID NOT RECEIVE A OWNER MANUAL, I RECEIVE THE LIST FROM AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS AND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIONS FOR 1992 DODGE SPIRIT V6-181 3.0L SOCH VIN 3 FL PROVIDE BY ALLDATA ISSUE FEB 92 SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 538 TSB NUMBER 538, I HAVE A LOT OF OTHER DEFEACTS PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 719079 · filed Feb 22, 2000

VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AS THROTTLE WAS STUCK WIDE OPEN. HIT 70 MPH IN A 45 MPH ZONE. STOPPED VEHICLE BY TURNING IGNITION OFF.

NHTSA ID 538325 · filed Jul 14, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS CAR WAS ORIGINALLY LEASED NEW BY A FORMER EMPLOYER IN 1992. I AM THE ORIGINAL DRIVER AND HAS TRULY FOLLOWED ALL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND PERFORMED ALL REQUIRED REPAIRS. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN MODERATELY ALL DURING ITS LIFE. THE REAR TORSION BAR, WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE REAR AXLE AND RUNS BETWEEN BOTH REAR WHEELS, HAS APPARENTLY BROKEN. THE REPAIR WILL COST $650 PLUS TAX. THE INTEGRITY OF THE REAR SUSPENSION IS PRESUMABLY A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEREAS THE FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING, AXLES ARE VERY COMPLEX IN A FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE AUTO, THE REAR AXLE AND SUSPENSION IS, FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, VERY LOW-TECH AND SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE AUTO. INSTEAD, THE TORSION BAR IN THIS RATHER INERT PART OF THE CAR HAS SIMPLY BROKEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER CASES OF A BROKEN REAR TORSION BAR, BOTH AT THIS DEALER'S SERVICE OPERATION AND AT MY LOCAL GARAGE. THIS STRIKES ME AS BEING AN ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION RATHER THE RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND USE. MY DODGE SAYS CHRYSLER REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE FINANCIALLY IN THE REPAIR, SAYING THEY DON'T WANT TO SET A "PRECEDENT." PLEASE ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

NHTSA ID 723965 · filed Jun 13, 2000

VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED CAUSING LEAKAGE.

NHTSA ID 532477 · filed Mar 11, 1998

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL ODORS ARE GETTING INTO VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 8004406 · filed Feb 22, 2002

UNKNOWN ORIGIN OF FUEL FUMES COMING THROUGH FIREWALL. DEALERS REPLACED SEVERAL EXHAUST COMPONENTS PROBLEM NOT CORRECTED. TT

NHTSA ID 959396 · filed Jan 30, 1995

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE BROKE TWICE. *TW

NHTSA ID 489371 · filed Apr 18, 1995

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

Data on this page last refreshed .