1994 Dodge Shadow
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Shadow › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Dodge Shadow. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1994 Dodge Shadow. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the lower seat back attaching bolt on the driver seat can fail and separate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
94 complaints20 involved a crash3 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
While driving southbound on I-85 in carnesville, ga, I heard a loud noise coming from the back right of my car. I looked back and saw smoke coming from the direction of my back right tire. I began to slow my car by letting off the gas. at this time my car began to swerve out of control, first…
While driving southbound on I-85 in carnesville, ga, I heard a loud noise coming from the back right of my car. I looked back and saw smoke coming from the direction of my back right tire. I began to slow my car by letting off the gas. at this time my car began to swerve out of control, first veering right. I tried to redirect the car back to the road as it was heading towards some trees. the car the swerved out of control to the left causing my car to go toward the median of the interstate. it hit a patch of mud and grass, which caused the car to flip. when the car stopped it was facing the north bound lane. the back right tire was completely destroyed. the tire was purchased in january 2010 and was new. I had only driven about 3,000 miles on it. *Tr
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Front passenger automatic seatbelt does not lock into a secure position. When front passenger door IS opened, seatbelt mechanism does not move shoulder belt to the full open position. When front passenger door IS closed with ignition key turned on, front passenger shoulder belt does not travel to…
Front passenger automatic seatbelt does not lock into a secure position. When front passenger door IS opened, seatbelt mechanism does not move shoulder belt to the full open position. When front passenger door IS closed with ignition key turned on, front passenger shoulder belt does not travel to the locked position. Front passenger only has use of manual lap belt for accident protection. The automatic shoulder belt does not move into the anchored location for protection. each time vehicle IS turned on or turned off, automatic shoulder belt mechanism has less movement and IS barely moving the shoulder belt anchor between the ends of the completely opened position and the completely locked position. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
94 dodge shadow and some other years around my area are going bad having to replace the computers and they are costly. *nm
- Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly
Chrysler corporation refuses to make available repair parts for the shift linkage cables in the dodge shadow and similar vehicles. where the shift cable attaches to the transmission there are plastic "snap" grommets that hold the end of the shift cable to the transmission. similar arrangements…
Chrysler corporation refuses to make available repair parts for the shift linkage cables in the dodge shadow and similar vehicles. where the shift cable attaches to the transmission there are plastic "snap" grommets that hold the end of the shift cable to the transmission. similar arrangements have been used for years on similar applications by various auto makers. when that gromment wears out, dodge does not make it available as a separate repair part and instead wants to sell a $130.00+ (i last checked several years ago) complete shift cable to replace a 50 cent part. I am personally aware of this issue on two cars (a 93 & a 94) but have heard of it on other cars. chrysler makes many other linkage snap grommets available and I see this as pure greed on their part to not make these simple repair parts available. I would happily pay several $$'s apiece for these over having to buy a very expensive cable and its associated labor to change. discussions with various dealer parts personnel simply results in a shrug of the shoulders. the design of the shift system keeps the parts from coming apart but leads to very sloppy/difficult shifting when this part IS worn. There are two of these on each vehicle. I can not tell you if they are identical or not, but I suspect they are slightly different sizes to keep them from getting crossed during assembly. *jb
- Air bags › Side/window
Vehicle was approaching through a light at 10 miles per hour when it was involved in a front impact collision, and driver's side air bag did not deploy.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Cam shaft broke at 60,000 miles on a vacation trip.... cost of on road repairs... $600. *la
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Plastic headlight covers on dodge shadow become translucent with age. lamps can be seen by oncoming cars but do not illuminate the road ahead. okay on well-lit city streets but headlights have almost no effect in the country. this IS clearly a problem that should not happen, and clearly irresponsible of the manufacturer to let it happen. *cb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Electrical, tail lamp, brake lamp wiring, and wiring harness. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
The right blinker failed and was replaced.*yh *ts
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While driving the left front wheel came off the vehicle due to broken lugs and struck the left front side of the vehicle (ohio traffic crash report). nlm
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Exterior lighting › Headlights
On the belt pully, I was just pulling out of the drive and the belt blew apart, and the air bag light came on and stays on now, the lights, I have replaced the bulbs but that does not fix th e problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving at any speed vehicle will suddenly stall. There IS no prior warning. Contacted dealer, and dealer IS not willing to do anything.*ak
- Air bags › Side/window
Consumer was traveling about 45mph, going down a hill, and lost control of vehicle. vehicle hit a bush and a telephone poll, and stopped on impact. driver's side airbag didn't deploy. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
- Air bags
While driving hit a telephone pole at about 30-35mph car rolled and the air bag never came out
- Steering › Rack and pinion
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
When applying brakes pedal goes to floor ,causing extended stopping distance. Cause unknown. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Consumer had problems receiving recall repair 99v212 with the drivers side seat, the seat was broken and was in a reclining position which made it very difficult and dangerous to drive, consumer traded the car in and IS requesting reimbursement for the recall repair. *slc
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Intermittent stalling - engine stalls when gas pedal IS released. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The car has plastic lens covers over a sealed unit on the headlights. Moisture collects on the inside of the plastic enclosure and the plastic has become clouded to the point that it IS dangerous to drive at night. The procedure to replace the headlights I am told will take almost 2 hours in labor…
The car has plastic lens covers over a sealed unit on the headlights. Moisture collects on the inside of the plastic enclosure and the plastic has become clouded to the point that it IS dangerous to drive at night. The procedure to replace the headlights I am told will take almost 2 hours in labor thereby neccessitating an unreasonable charge due to design flaws. Also the adjustment device to aim headlights does not function due to poor design. To cure my problem will require me to buy completely new headlights and have the same problem with the replacements. Has this issue been addressed before? If so do I have any recourse? Thank you, john baugh. *ak
- Seats
Lower seat back attaching bolts broke on the passenger seat which could cause seat to release from the upright position. Vehicle was recalled for the same problem with the driver seat. Recall number 99v212000. .*ak the recall was for the driver side seat failure but manufacturer refused to take responsibility for passenger side seat failure. *yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
Passing a vehicle at 45 mph. Car continued to accelerate with foot off gas to about 65mph. Pumped brakes and applied pressure to slow vehicle. Car did not respond to braking. Finally slowed to about 45. Let foot off brake and car accelerated "out of control" until brake pressure slowed car again.…
Passing a vehicle at 45 mph. Car continued to accelerate with foot off gas to about 65mph. Pumped brakes and applied pressure to slow vehicle. Car did not respond to braking. Finally slowed to about 45. Let foot off brake and car accelerated "out of control" until brake pressure slowed car again. Cautiously lifted foot off brake and car operated "normally". Contacted cortese dodge (dealer in rochester, ny) and they stated that it was probably a cable that "got stuck". The mechanic was able to reproduce the problem right away. The service manager stated that they had repaired several cars that had this problem. And "...come to think of it, they were all dodge shadows." fortunately, the problem occurred in a rural area with no cross streets or imminent intersections. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Both passenger's side and driver's side doors broke off.delaer has been contacted. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine motor mounts broke. all four, front and rear mounts broke at 40,000 miles. Dealer has been contacted. *ak
- Unknown or other
Exterior paint chipping all around the car, have performed regular waxing throughout life of the car. IS there are recall on this paint, it seems that a six-seven year old car should not do this. No safety defect listed with summary. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate · Suspension › Rear · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Rear hatch leaks water, noisy rt front susp. Constantly having problems . Have complained to dealer said they could find nothing wrong. Water leaks not covered under warranty, trailing axle not covered under warranty, air cond. Idler not covered under warranty. Windows will not roll up or down.…
Rear hatch leaks water, noisy rt front susp. Constantly having problems . Have complained to dealer said they could find nothing wrong. Water leaks not covered under warranty, trailing axle not covered under warranty, air cond. Idler not covered under warranty. Windows will not roll up or down. There have been forty nine instances of trailing axle failure reported to nhtsa. Local mechanics have told me of five failures they have found in my area. It seems to be a pattern of triailing axle failures. Must be the reason they are not covered under. I would suggest that a possible recall be looked into. Also the engine has started to use a quart of oil ever one thousand miles since approximately fifty thousand miles. My thoughts are that when you pay $14,000. 00 for a vehicle that you should expect to get better service from it. *ak( dot number: tire size: p205-60x14 )
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr…
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) by letter dated april 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(G), nhtsa has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 jeep grand cherokee and 1994-1995 dodge RAM series trucks that were recalled (93v210 & 96v230) for steering column failure.if the analysis of these vehicles had identified a potential problem, the scope could have been expanded in an investigation.a review of odi's data base shows no recent complaints and a lack of a complaint trend concerning the subject issue on the subject vehicles as a whole or by individual models.therefore, the petition IS denied.for details, see federal register notice volume 68, no. 130, july 8, 2003.
- Seat back failure
The seat recliner's lower bolts can fatigue and break causing the set back to collapse backward without warning.
- Safety blt latch operation
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 610635Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 607963Information on child seat tether anchors.
- 607959This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 605014Conditions with intermittent loss of speed control.
- 604696Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket.
- 604364Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs)
- 603153Subject regarding airbag on - off switches.
- 602450Subject regarding the airbag on-off switches.
- 600862Information on installation of radio transmitting equipment.
- 600751Subject on delayed transaxle engagement.
- 54423Authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity.
- 54371Condition with tranaxle shudder during a 3RD gear to 3RD gear partial emcc ( electronically modulated converter clutch) engagement, 3RD gear partial emcc to 4TH gear partial emcc engagement, or 4TH gear to 4TH gear emcc engagement.
- 52963Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.
- 51993Vehicle shudder during torque converter emcc (lock up) operation/diagnostic trouble code 38.
- 51978Vehicles with 3.0L engines - intake valve deposits - driveway die out, rough idle, lack of power, sags or hesitation.
- 51942Difficult to clean light colored "chalky" residue from plastic body components that are molded in black.
- 51274Erroneous mil illumination with hex code $2e-egr system failure.
- 46371Bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 08-16-95, dated apr. 14, 1995. If the vehicle operator **repeatedly** presses and releases the set button with their foot off of the accelerator (a 'lift foot set' to begin speed control operation), the vehicle may accelerate and exceed the desired set speed by up to 5 mph (8 km/h) and then decelerate to less than the desired set speed before finally achieving the desired set speed.
- 43055Unknown
- 41049Cruise control overshoot/undershoot during initial set speed selection.
- 39058Manual transaxle locked in neutral or locked in reverse.
- 39009Improved transmission shift quality.
- 39005Serpentine belt comes off pulleys.
- 37862Higher than normal accelerator pedal effort at cold start up.
- 37858Pcm not properly disengaging a/c clutch via the relay also the pcm may not energize the a/c clutch relay.
Every Dodge Shadow model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.