1990 Dodge Shadow

The 1990 Dodge Shadow is a compact car that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produced 93 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder was also available, producing 102 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Dodge Shadow for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and affordable price. However, the vehicle has also been known to have some reliability issues.

Engine

• 2.2-liter four-cylinder
  • Blown head gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the engine, rough idle, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5-liter four-cylinder
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine will not start, loud noise from the engine, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, grinding noise when shifting
    • Solution: Replace the clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Three-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle will not move or will move erratically, high RPMs but no acceleration
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, difficulty steering
  • Solution: Replace the front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, battery warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, clicking noise when trying to start
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Brown or orange spots on the body panels, bubbling paint, holes in the body panels
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard, especially around the defroster vents
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door panel rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the door panels, especially when driving over rough roads
  • Solution: Secure the door panels with new clips or screws
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Dodge Shadow is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include engine gasket failure, timing belt failure, transmission slipping, suspension problems, and electrical issues. The severity of these issues varies, but some can be expensive to fix. Overall, the Shadow is a good choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly car that is fun to drive.