1992 Chrysler Shadow

Introduction

The 1992 Chrysler Shadow is a compact sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.2L inline-four, which produced 110 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 2.5L V6 with 160 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 with 141 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a four-speed manual, a three-speed automatic, and a four-speed automatic.

Owners of the 1992 Chrysler Shadow generally praise the vehicle’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, there are a number of common issues that have been reported with the vehicle.

Engine

2.2L Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200

2.5L V6

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and a loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

3.0L V6

• Valve cover gasket failure: The valve cover gasket can fail, causing oil to leak. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, oil on the engine, and a loss of oil. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a squealing noise from the engine, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $600 - $800

Transmission

Four-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a burning smell, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing the transmission to move around excessively. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the transmission, difficulty shifting gears, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

Three-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a burning smell, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $800 - $1,200
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak, causing the transmission to overheat and fail. Symptoms include a burning smell, a loss of transmission fluid, and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the leaking component. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Four-Speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak, causing the transmission to overheat and fail. Symptoms include a burning smell, a loss of transmission fluid, and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the leaking component. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front suspension, a decrease in ride height, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the front suspension struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600
• Rear suspension shock failure: The rear suspension shocks can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the rear suspension, a decrease in ride height, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the rear suspension shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a flickering or dim dashboard, difficulty starting the vehicle, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, a lack of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500

Exterior

• Rust: The 1992 Chrysler Shadow is prone to rust, particularly on the body panels and undercarriage. Rust can cause cosmetic damage and weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle. The solution is to treat any rust spots as soon as possible. Estimated cost to fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust
• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not work. Symptoms include a lack of headlights, a flickering or dim dashboard, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the headlight switch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Cruise control failure: The cruise control can fail, causing the vehicle to not maintain a set speed. Symptoms include a lack of cruise control functionality, a check engine light, and a decrease in fuel efficiency. The solution is to replace the cruise control module. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400
• Power window failure: The power window motor or switch can fail, causing the window to not operate. Symptoms include a lack of power window functionality, a clicking noise, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

Summary

The 1992 Chrysler Shadow is a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, there are a number of common issues that can occur with the vehicle, including engine and transmission problems, suspension issues, electrical issues, and interior issues. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but it is important to be aware of them before purchasing a 1992 Chrysler Shadow.