Total Complaints
74 filings
DODGE DYNASTY · model year
1989 DODGE DYNASTY
74 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1989DODGEDYNASTY carries 74 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 7 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1989 DYNASTY is power train:automatic transmission with 19 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:engine (13) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 1989 DYNASTY, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
74
Complaints
1
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 19 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 2 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20130306ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FROM GASKET INTO AC COMPRESSOR, WE HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND IT STILL LEAKS. RESEARCHING ONLINE THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT 89V237000 THAT DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM EXACTLY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO RESEARCHED MY VIN AND SAID THAT MY VEHICLE IS UNAFFECTED. I WOULD ASSUME THAT IF MY VEHICLE FITS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM EXACTLY, THEN IT SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
Mileage: 43,531
20130306ENGINE
VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL FROM GASKET INTO AC COMPRESSOR, WE HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND IT STILL LEAKS. RESEARCHING ONLINE THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT 89V237000 THAT DESCRIBES THE PROBLEM EXACTLY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO RESEARCHED MY VIN AND SAID THAT MY VEHICLE IS UNAFFECTED. I WOULD ASSUME THAT IF MY VEHICLE FITS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM EXACTLY, THEN IT SHOULD BE FIXED. *TR
Mileage: 43,531
20100414ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 DODGE DYNASTY. THE CONTACT STATED HE NOTICED OIL LEAKING FORM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 05/19/2010. *LJ UPDATED 06/29/10 *BF THE CAMSHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/06/10.*JB
Mileage: 111,000
20040414SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AND COAST TO A COMPLETE STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE PADS AND LINES BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE FINE. DEALERSHIP NOTICED METAL SHAVING IN THE BRAKE FLUID, AND BRAKE PUMP MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Mileage: 100,000
20020305ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I THOUGHT CHRYSLER WAS TO REPAIR THEIR COST? NOTE: REPAIR WORK INDICATED, FOR FAILED VALVE COVER GASKET .NHTSA RECALL ID NUMBER # 89V237000. I UNDERSTAND REPLACEMENT PART IS A "REVISED (VALVE)COVER" W/"RTV SEALANT" APPLICATION.(SHOULD THIS NOT BE DONE A.S.A.P. FOR RISK OF FIRE? AND, IS THIS NOT TO BE COMPLETED AT LICENSED CHRYSLER DEALER-MECHANIC SHOP, AND SUPPLIED BY AND PAID IN FULL, BY CHRYSLER? 'THEY' CLAIM: "NO". PLEASE ADVICE ACCORDINGLY-PER E MAIL AND,OR WRITING U.S. MAIL. THANK YOU! LY'; PER RECALL. *AK
20020220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
SMOKE FROM DASHBOARD/ DRIVERS SIDE, #14 FUSE IS OPEN. REPLACED PINK/BLACK WIRE FROM FUSE PANEL TO HEADLIGHT SWITCH.. #14 SWITCH CONTINUES TO OPEN INTERMITTANTLY. REPLACED ALL PARKING/TAIL LAMPS. FUSE CONTINUES TO OPEN INTERMITTANTLY. CHECKED LICENSE PLATE LAMPS, FOUND (L) LAMP SOCKET SHORTED. LAMP SOCKET BROKEN DOWN INTO A STICKY GOOEY SUBSTANCE THAT DISINTEGRATED ONTO MY FINGERS, ONLY BASE OF SOCKET REMAINED INTACT. DISCONNECTED BASE OF SOCKET FROM CIRCUIT. #14 FUSE STOPPED OPENING.*AK
20010925POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING AUTO TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE FROM PARK. SERVICED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OILCHANGE @150,590M, AT WHICH TIME ATTENDANT @ SVC. STATION INFORMED ME THAT TWO MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKEN/MISSING, AND THAT IMMEDIATE SERVICE OF COMPONENTS WAS NECESSARY. DROVE VEHICLE HOME(5 MILES) AND PARKED. VEHICLE RESPONDED MARGINALLY TO TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE, BUT STALLED UPON SLOWING TO STOP OR TURN. ENGINE APPEARS TO BE FREE-FLOATING IN COMPARTMENT, AND RESULTING MISALIGNMENT CAUSES FREQUENT STALLING.*AK
20010925ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING AUTO TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE FROM PARK. SERVICED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OILCHANGE @150,590M, AT WHICH TIME ATTENDANT @ SVC. STATION INFORMED ME THAT TWO MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKEN/MISSING, AND THAT IMMEDIATE SERVICE OF COMPONENTS WAS NECESSARY. DROVE VEHICLE HOME(5 MILES) AND PARKED. VEHICLE RESPONDED MARGINALLY TO TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE, BUT STALLED UPON SLOWING TO STOP OR TURN. ENGINE APPEARS TO BE FREE-FLOATING IN COMPARTMENT, AND RESULTING MISALIGNMENT CAUSES FREQUENT STALLING.*AK
20010816POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE TRAVELING TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO HALT UNEXPECTEDLY, LOSING THE TOP GEAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, PAID OVER $100.00 FOR SAID INSPECTION AND THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT $3200.00 THEY NEGLECTED TO INFORM ME OF THE MANY RECALLS ON THIS TRANSMISSION, AND WOULD NOT HELP ME. (DEALER: BELLEVUE DODGE, BELLEVUE WA. *AK
20010405FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMELL COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFTED HOOD, AND BATTERY WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
20001018POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, ALL OF A SUDDEN REAR END DROPPED DOWN TO THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OWNER'S HOME. A MECHANIC HAS LOOKED AT VEHICLE ,AND FOUND THAT REAR AXLE CRACKED AND TWISTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
20000814FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE WHILE DRIVING (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
20000717ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL 89V237 OF THE VALVE COVER GASKET. NLM
20000613POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
REAR AXLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TOAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. *AK
20000131SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE "HARD," AND HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. *AK *ML
19990928POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, AND IT MADE CLUNKING NOISES. DEALER SAID TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
19990528FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
01MAR99: HAD PARKED & LEFT VEHICLE IDLING. RETURNED HEARD NOISE. ARRIVED HOME & NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER HOOD. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & EXTINGUISEHD THE FLAMES. INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER HOOD. HAD HAPPENEDED AGAIN ON MAY 11,Y99. SAME PROBLEM & FIRE. ALSO, SOMETIMES HARD TO START VEHICLE. REPLACED BATTERY & STARTER BEFORE FIRES. EACH TIME HAD WORKED FOR A WHILE & THEN FAILED. *AK
19990528FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
01MAR99: HAD PARKED & LEFT VEHICLE IDLING. RETURNED HEARD NOISE. ARRIVED HOME & NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER HOOD. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & EXTINGUISEHD THE FLAMES. INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER HOOD. HAD HAPPENEDED AGAIN ON MAY 11,Y99. SAME PROBLEM & FIRE. ALSO, SOMETIMES HARD TO START VEHICLE. REPLACED BATTERY & STARTER BEFORE FIRES. EACH TIME HAD WORKED FOR A WHILE & THEN FAILED. *AK
19990528FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
01MAR99: HAD PARKED & LEFT VEHICLE IDLING. RETURNED HEARD NOISE. ARRIVED HOME & NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER HOOD. FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & EXTINGUISEHD THE FLAMES. INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM UNDER HOOD. HAD HAPPENEDED AGAIN ON MAY 11,Y99. SAME PROBLEM & FIRE. ALSO, SOMETIMES HARD TO START VEHICLE. REPLACED BATTERY & STARTER BEFORE FIRES. EACH TIME HAD WORKED FOR A WHILE & THEN FAILED. *AK
19990413ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ENGINE HEAD GASKETS HAVE GONE BAD, CAUSING A LEAK IN THE COMPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE ON THE ENGINE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
Compare 1989DODGEDYNASTY to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 1 Open
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1989 DODGE DYNASTY have?▼
The 1989 DODGE DYNASTY has 74 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 DODGE DYNASTY?▼
The most-complained component for the 1989 DODGE DYNASTY is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 19 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 1989 DODGE DYNASTY safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.