Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about the 1993 Dodge Spirit, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 16 | 15% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 15 | 14% |
| Electrical system | 12 | 12% |
| Power train | 7 | 7% |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 7% |
| Air bags | 7 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 7% |
| Seats | 5 | 5% |
| Fuel system | 4 | 4% |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
DT: 1993 DODGE SPIRIT. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL CONCERNING THE FUEL SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP ARRANGED FOR THE REPAIRS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEY NOTICED THE GAS LI
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AND SET ITSELF TO 90 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE TO 30 MPH. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED A MINOR REAR END COLLISION. THE CONSUMER HAD T
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
I BROUGHT MY TIRE TO A MECHANIC TO REPLACE A BENT RIM. HE SAID HE COULD NOT FIND A REPLACEMENT RIM AND BENT THE RIM BACK WITH A HAMMER. HOWEVER THE RIM STILL LOOKS UNSAFE. I TOOK A DIGITAL PHOTO AND WOULD LIKE TO SEND IT
NHTSA complaint: Tires
THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AND REMAINED ON WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE THROTTLE TAKING OVER. *PH WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK OPEN. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE WAS BEING DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
I OWN A 1993 DODGE SPIRIT WITH ONLY 96000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHEN I AM DRIVING AROUND TOWN. IT HAPPENS AROUND 20
NHTSA complaint: Power train
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT 75,000 MILE DURING DAMPS WEATHER CONDITION. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASION AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURT
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER A REALLY BAD IMPACT. ALSO, SEAT BELT BUCKLES DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY.DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
REAR AXLE BAR BROKE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. DUE TO LOCATION OF BREAK, WHOLE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED ($885.97). REPAIR SHOP COMMENTED THAT PART READILY AVAILABLE INDICATING A COMMON PROBLEM. VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR HA
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
| Reliability raw | 85 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 79 | good |
| Maintenance | 88 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 50 | average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 16 of them (15%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 85/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 79/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 1993 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 73/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.