1989 DODGE SPIRIT
2 recalls, 25 complaints - 29 TSBs
08E033000 Apr 14, 2008
SUSPENSION
Defect Description
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... Read more
Consequence
THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSS... Read more
Remedy
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.
89V237000 Dec 27, 1989
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Defect Description
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Consequence
THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Complaint Statistics
25 total complaints
1 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 4 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 16, 2013
Incident date: May 22, 2013
ODOMETER QUIT WORKING BUT SPEEDOMETER STILL WORKS, NEED ODOMETER FOR UPDATE ON STATE INSPECTION. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 6, 2004
Incident date: Dec 6, 2003
I HAVE A 1989 DODGE SPIRIT (WHITE IN COLOR). ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AGO IT STARTED PEELING PAINT OFF OF IT. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE RODE WHEN I HEARD THIS WEIRD RIPPING NOISE. I LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR TO SEE WHITE FLAKES FLYING OFF OF MY CAR, SO I PULLED OFF IN A PARKING SPOT & GOT OUT TO SEE WHA... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 30, 2002
Incident date: Sep 24, 2002
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE IDLE CONTROL MOTOR. NLM
SUSPENSION:REAR
Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Feb 1, 1999
REAR SUSPENSION HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK WHICH CAUSES THE REAR END TO DROP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 21, 1999
Incident date: Jul 14, 1999
467. CONSUMER HAS DEFECTIVE ENGINE GASKETS THAT LEAK ALL AROUND THE VALVE COVER. DEALER CONTACTED, AND VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY TO RECALL DUE TO VIN. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jun 22, 1999
WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT FROM PARK UNLESS DRIVER STARTS ENGINE AND PRESSES THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THEN SHIFTS IT INTO PARK. WHEN RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD HAVE TO TRY TAKING IT OUT OF PARK AT THE SAME TIME, OR IF SOMEONE ROCKS VEHICLE FROM THE BACK. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Feb 19, 1999
Incident date: Feb 19, 1999
ON THE TRANSMISSION IT IS VERY SLOW SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND. ALSO THE REVERSE WENT OUT COMPLETELY,AND HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $1019. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN. HE SHIFTER IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND IT'S BEGINNING TO WEAR AWAY, AND WILL SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO NUETRAL BY I... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 19, 1999
Incident date: Feb 19, 1999
ON THE TRANSMISSION IT IS VERY SLOW SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND. ALSO THE REVERSE WENT OUT COMPLETELY,AND HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT FOR $1019. NOW THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN. HE SHIFTER IS MADE OF PLASTIC, AND IT'S BEGINNING TO WEAR AWAY, AND WILL SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO NUETRAL BY I... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jan 4, 1999
VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE A FAILING HEAD GASKET BY WEST LIBERTY DODGE, 1561 WEST LIBERTY AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15226, (412) 343-1300. THIS FAILURE WOULD SEEM TO BE COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 89V237000, HOWEVER NEITHER THE DEALER NOR CHRYSLER WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF THE RECA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Sep 2, 1997
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILED FOUR TIMES IN FIVE YEARS. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 13, 1997
Incident date: Jan 1, 1997
THE REAR AXLE SHAFT BROKE, THE ROD ASSEMBLY MAKES A LOUD NOISE , CONTACT DEALERSHIP NO PARTS AVAILABLE, CANNOT DRIVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Dec 9, 1996
FLOOR SHIFT LEVER WILL NOT LOCK WHEN IN PARK, CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL BACXKWARDS. *AK
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Oct 10, 1996
Incident date: Feb 1, 1992
RACK AND PINION REPLACED.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 25, 1996
Incident date: Mar 3, 1994
THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE IS CRACKED. *AK CONSUMER STATES REAR TRAILING ARM FAILURE.*JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 12, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1996
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS WHERE IT SAYS "PRESS", A PIECE BROKE OFF AND THE SEATBELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 12, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1996
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS WHERE IT SAYS "PRESS", A PIECE BROKEN AND THE SEATBELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mar 12, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1996
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS WHERE IT SAYS "PRESS", A PIECE BROKEN AND THE SEATBELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 20, 1996
CONSUMER AUTO CAUGHT FIRE AND THE ENGINE BURNED-AFTER BEING DRIVEN APPROX 10 MILES. AUTO WAS TURNED OFF WHEN THE FIRE STARTED-CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Nov 27, 1995
Incident date: Nov 7, 1994
VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND GAS TANK CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE TRUNK NEAR REAR SEAT WAS ON FLAMES.THIS OCCURED WITH NO WARNING. TT
Fire
SUSPENSION:REAR
Nov 16, 1995
Incident date: Jun 16, 1995
REAR STABILIZER BAR FAILED, CAUSING NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Nov 7, 1995
THE FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED NEED TO BE REPLACED THE BRAKE HOSE ON BOTH ARE CRACKED. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Nov 7, 1995
THE FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED NEED TO BE REPLACED THE BRAKE HOSE ON BOTH ARE CRACKED. TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Oct 30, 1995
Incident date: Mar 15, 1995
HEADLIGHTS BECOME UNSEALED CAUSING CONDENSATION AND WATER TO COLLECT INSIDE HEAD LAMP; IMPAIRED HEADLIGHTS REFLECTIVE ABILITY. TT
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Jun 15, 1995
Incident date: Jul 1, 1992
SPEAKERS INOPERATIVE. *AW
SUSPENSION:REAR
Jun 5, 1995
Incident date: May 19, 1995
REAR SWAY BAR SNAPPED. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1989 DODGE SPIRIT
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 26.0 | 23.0 | Regular | $2,650 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 22.0 | 19.0 | Premium | $4,000 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,800 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 31.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 26.0 | 21.0 | Premium | $3,600 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,250 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1989 DODGE SPIRIT
29 manufacturer communications from 27 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 7 |
| 180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| 220000 SEATS | 3 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| 116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 1 |
| 592000 CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP (SECURES TOP OF CHILD SEAT TO VEHICLE) | 1 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
23-014-15
Apr 23, 2015
592000 CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP (SECURES TOP OF CHILD SEAT TO VEHICLE)
Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for th
23-014-15
Apr 23, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for th
2100601
Mar 16, 2001
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
0800600REV
Dec 29, 2000
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
0800600 REV
Dec 22, 2000
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *TT
2300800B
Nov 24, 2000
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
230800
Mar 3, 2000
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
080600
Feb 25, 2000
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
233599REVA
Oct 1, 1999
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
233599
Sep 3, 1999
220000 SEATS
INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
210599A
Sep 3, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
210699
Apr 2, 1999
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
210599
Mar 5, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
210499
Feb 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT
210798
Apr 24, 1998
106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK
081698
Apr 17, 1998
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK
210997
May 16, 1997
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM
070397
May 9, 1997
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC
070397
May 9, 1997
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM
970314210597
Mar 14, 1997
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONDITION 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. *YC
210597
Mar 14, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM
180997
Feb 28, 1997
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
VEHICLE SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER EMCC (LOCK UP) OPERATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 38. *TW
180597
Feb 14, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES - INTAKE VALVE DEPOSITS - DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, ROUGH IDLE, LACK OF POWER, SAGS OR HESITATION. *TW
230397
Feb 14, 1997
161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW
081695REVA
Oct 1, 1995
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BULLETIN 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 OPER
CH210695
Jun 1, 1995
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UNKNOWN
CH081695
Apr 1, 1995
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL OVERSHOOT/UNDERSHOOT DURING INITIAL SET SPEED SELECTION. *TW
180694A
Dec 1, 1994
116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
COLD START HESITATION. *TW
182694
Jan 1, 1994
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
IMPROVED TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY. *TW
NHTSA Safety Investigations, DODGE SPIRIT
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE91080
Opened: May 30, 1991 , Closed: Sep 30, 1991
ENGINE SPEED FLUCTUATION
There is no summary currently available
DODGE SPIRIT - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the DODGE SPIRIT across all model years (1989, 1994).
9
Total Recalls
603
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
44
Reported Crashes
38
Reported Fires
3
Reported Deaths