Model year guide

1989 Dodge shadow

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Dodge shadow is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1989 Dodge shadow — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1989 Dodge shadow at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints43
Combined19–25 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1989 Dodge shadow recalls 3

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #92V053000 · 13/04/1992

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Fix: REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #89V237000 · 27/12/1989

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Fix: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1989 Dodge shadow common problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1989 Dodge shadow MPG & running costs

Combined19–25 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,283
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,417 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1989 Dodge shadow costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,415
Fuel only$16,415
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1989 Dodge shadow trims & engines on record

Engines
2.2L 4-cyl

1989 Dodge shadow vehicles on record

1989 Dodge shadow 1989 Dodge shadow1B3BP44DXKN663432

1989 Dodge shadow — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 Dodge shadow have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1989 Dodge shadow. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge shadow?

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seat belts, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 1989 Dodge shadow get?

The 1989 Dodge shadow has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.