1989 Dodge SPIRIT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
12 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
54,845 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1989 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Suspension:Rear is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 12 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 8.3% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 8.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension:Rear | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 |
| Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 1 |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly | 1 |
Suspension:Rear: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1; Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 1; Power Train:Axle Assembly: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
1995: 6; 1996: 3; 2002: 1; 2004: 1; 2013: 1
Pattern summary
Suspension:Rear leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10060559 · 2004-03-06 (March 6, 2004)
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 WHAT WAS HAPPENING & ALL I SAW WAS A LARGE SPOT ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR WHERE PAINT CAME OFF. IT HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO EVER SINCE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10060559 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10520002 · 2013-06-16 (June 16, 2013)
ODOMETER QUIT WORKING BUT SPEEDOMETER STILL WORKS, NEED ODOMETER FOR UPDATE ON STATE INSPECTION. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 54,845 miles reported. Look up ODI 10520002 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 484070 · 1995-07-12 (July 12, 1995)
REAR STABILIZER BAR FAILED, CAUSING NOISE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 484070 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 489577 · 1995-04-24 (April 24, 1995)
SPEAKERS INOPERATIVE. *AW
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 489577 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 8019893 · 2002-09-30 (September 30, 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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8019893 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 966312 · 1995-06-05 (June 5, 1995)
REAR SWAY BAR SNAPPED. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 966312 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 974114 · 1995-10-30 (October 30, 1995)
HEADLIGHTS BECOME UNSEALED CAUSING CONDENSATION AND WATER TO COLLECT INSIDE HEAD LAMP; IMPAIRED HEADLIGHTS REFLECTIVE ABILITY. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 974114 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 974710 · 1995-11-07 (November 7, 1995)
THE FRONT ROTORS ARE WARPED NEED TO BE REPLACED THE BRAKE HOSE ON BOTH ARE CRACKED. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 974710 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
89V237000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 1989-12-27 (December 27, 1989)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗