1989 Dodge Daytona problems

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The Dodge Daytona is an automobile which was produced by the Chrysler Corporation under their Dodge division from 1984 until 1993. It was a front-wheel drive hatchback based on the Chrysler G platform, which was derived from the Chrysler K platform. The Chrysler Laser was an upscale rebadged version of the Daytona. The Daytona was restyled for 1987, and again for 1992. It replaced the Mitsubishi Galant-based Challenger, and slotted between the Charger and the Conquest. The Daytona was replaced by the 1995 Dodge Avenger, which was built by Mitsubishi Motors. The Daytona derives its name mainly from the Dodge Charger Daytona, which itself was named after the Daytona 500 race in Daytona Beach, Florida.

History

The Daytona originally used the 2.2 L Chrysler K engine in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form. Power outputs are 93 and 142 hp (69 and 106 kW) respectively. The 100-horsepower (75 kW), 2.5-litre K engine was added for 1986. In 1985, the 2.2-L Turbo I engine's horsepower was increased to 146 hp (109 kW). The 1984 Daytona was available in three trim lines: standard, Turbo and Turbo Z. Total production was 49,347. The Daytona Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for 1984. Both the Daytona and Chrysler Laser were available with the Chrysler electronic voice alert system through 1987. A performance oriented "Shelby" version of the Daytona was introduced in 1987.

1984

The Daytona debuted with a 142 hp Turbo I motor. Many Turbo Z models were produced and were more luxurious than other years due to their use of Mark Cross leather, light up speakers, and rear amplifier switches. These options were dropped after 1984.

1989 Dodge Daytona

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Common 1989 Dodge Daytona problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Dodge Daytona, several common problems have been reported:

  • Brake Pads Falling Off: Owners reported an issue with brake pads falling off in the 1990 Daytona, which poses a significant safety risk affecting braking performance.
  • Engine Stalling While Driving: Some owners experienced the engine stalling while driving in the 1984 Daytona, which is a serious safety issue that can lead to accidents and breakdowns.
  • High Idle: Complaints about the engine idling too high were noted in the 1986 Daytona, which can lead to excessive fuel consumption, poor performance, and potential engine damage.
  • Rear Window Defroster Malfunction: In the 1988 Daytona, there were reports of the rear window defroster breaking, which can be inconvenient, especially in cold or humid weather conditions.
  • Fan Not Coming On: Owners of the 1989 Daytona reported issues with the fan not coming on, potentially leading to overheating problems and engine damage.
  • Engine Running Rough at High RPMs: Some owners mentioned that the engine sounded like it was breaking down with small pops in the exhaust at high RPMs, which could indicate issues with fuel delivery, ignition, or engine timing.
  • Sulfur Smell and Rough Idle: Complaints included a sulfur smell and rough idle when the temp sensor connector was removed, indicating potential issues with fuel mixture, emissions, or engine performance.
  • Starting and Cutting Off Immediately: Owners reported that the 1989 Daytona would start but immediately cut off, suggesting potential fuel pump or fuel delivery problems that need to be addressed for proper engine operation.

These common problems highlight various issues that owners of the 1989 Dodge Daytona have faced, ranging from safety concerns like brake failures and engine stalling to performance issues such as rough idling and high RPM breakdowns. Addressing these problems promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1989 Dodge Daytona engine

Why is the Dodge Daytona so rare?

The production run was designed to satisfy NASCAR's homologation requirement that at least 500 units be available to the public, and of the 503 produced only 70 cars received the 426ci Hemi V-8. Among them, even fewer—just 22—came with the four-speed A833 manual transmission. They are rare and fast cars indeed.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Shelby Daytona have?

These cars were quick, by the standards of their time, with 174 horsepower from the Turbo II 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, in a car that weighed just 2,951 pounds.

What's so special about the Dodge Daytona?

One of the two famous aero-cars, the Dodge Daytona had featured special body modifications that included a 23-inch-tall (584 mm) stabilizer wing on the rear deck, a special sheet-metal "nose cone" that replaced the traditional upright front grille, a flush rear backlight (rear window area), a 'window cap' to cover the ...

Why are Dodge Daytonas so expensive?

Introduced in 1969 as a homologation special for NASCAR duty, the Dodge Charger Daytona was sold to the public in just 503 units. Arguably the most radical production model from the golden muscle car era (alongside the 1970 Plymouth Superbird), the Daytona morphed into a highly desirable and expensive classic.

Why is the Dodge Daytona so rare?

The production run was designed to satisfy NASCAR's homologation requirement that at least 500 units be available to the public, and of the 503 produced only 70 cars received the 426ci Hemi V-8. Among them, even fewer—just 22—came with the four-speed A833 manual transmission. They are rare and fast cars indeed.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Shelby Daytona have?

These cars were quick, by the standards of their time, with 174 horsepower from the Turbo II 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, in a car that weighed just 2,951 pounds.

What's so special about the Dodge Daytona?

One of the two famous aero-cars, the Dodge Daytona had featured special body modifications that included a 23-inch-tall (584 mm) stabilizer wing on the rear deck, a special sheet-metal "nose cone" that replaced the traditional upright front grille, a flush rear backlight (rear window area), a 'window cap' to cover the ...

Why are Dodge Daytonas so expensive?

Introduced in 1969 as a homologation special for NASCAR duty, the Dodge Charger Daytona was sold to the public in just 503 units. Arguably the most radical production model from the golden muscle car era (alongside the 1970 Plymouth Superbird), the Daytona morphed into a highly desirable and expensive classic.

1989 Dodge Daytona car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Daytona problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Steering problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Daytona vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1989 Dodge Daytona

The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Daytona. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Dodge Daytona vehicles.

2003-11-05

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-07-23
  • VIN: 1B3YG44K6K6
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING TIRE EQUIPMENT SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL. *PH *NLM
2003-03-24

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-09-02
  • Number Of Deaths: 3
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, AND SUBSEQUENTLY DIED ALONG WITH TWO OTHERS, WHICH WAS POSSIBLY DUE TO A STEERING MECHANISM DEFECT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE SAFETY RECORD OF CHRYSLER DODGE DAYTONA, SPECIFICALLY FOR THE STEERING MECHANISM NOT OPERATING PROPERLY OR LOCKING UP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. SCC *JB
2000-10-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B3XG74A3KG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I HAVE ALREADY INQUIRED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY? *AK
2000-10-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K4KG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ITEM LISTED IS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 89V237000. DEALER INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE RECALL. CALLED CHRYSLER'S RECALL CENTER AND THEY DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL OR THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY OF THE NHTSA. THE REPAIR CHARGE FOR THIS WORK THAT WE ARE HAVING PERFORMED IS $131.00 WE WANT TO BE REIMBURSED AS OUR VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE RANGE OF MANUFACTURE DATES AND EXHIBITED THE PROBLEM NHTSA CHARACTERIZED AS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT.
2000-03-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 10 MPH AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND RUN OVER A CURB. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1999-06-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-09
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
1999-04-07

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-31
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K8KG
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 31, 1999. SHE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT. SHE WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND SHE HEARD A POPPING NOISE. AT THAT TIME, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON HER, BUT NOT AT THE NORMAL FAST SPEED. THIS CAUSED HER TO RUN OFF OF THE ROAD AND OVER AN EMBANKMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AS WELL AS THE POLICE. THERE WERE NO CHARGES FILED, THEY SAID IT WAS A FAULTY AIRBAG. IT DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. AND THEY HAVE SENT A FILE ON THIS TO SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER AND THEY HAVE SAID THE LIGHT THAT LIGHTS UP TO SHOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD A LOT OF CORRISION ON IT. THE SQUIB INITIATOR SHOWED IT WAS ACTIVE FOR 73 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN INSTALLED PROPERLY. SHE WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAD TO MISS 3 DAYS OF SCHOOL. THE TRAUMA IS STILL WITH HER TODAY.
1999-02-15

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24KXKG
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED AT THE RIGHT CORNER CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND BURNS ON HAND DUE TO EXHAUST/CHEMICAL, NO DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. *ET
1998-10-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-25
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG64JXKG
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: PROBLEM 1 #3 FUEL INJECTOR CRACKED CAUSING THE FUEL TO SPRAY ONTO INTAKE MANIFOLD INTO A PUDDLE (1/4
1998-05-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B3XG74A6KG
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE PADS SEPARATED FROM BACKING PLATE SEVERAL TIMES.
1997-10-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-09-25
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG44K1KG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM AS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. PLEASE PROVDIE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1997-08-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-07-11
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAR STARTED TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
1997-02-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-09-11
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K5KG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CAR PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE NEAR THE BATTERY. APPEARS TO BE ELECTRICAL. *AK
1996-09-18

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24J7KG
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WHEN LIFTING THE REAR HATCHBACK, THE TAILGATE SUPPORT FAILED, CAUSING THE HATCHBACK TO FALL DOWN, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
1996-09-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-06
  • VIN: 1B3XG44K7KG
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: REAR BRAKE LININGS SEPARATED FROM THE SHOES BECAUSE OF A BONDING DEFICIENCY.
1996-09-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-06
  • VIN: 1B3XG44K7KG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: PCV HOSE FAILED.
1996-09-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K5KG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
1996-07-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-28
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SOURCE UNKNOWN.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-07-12

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1990-07-11
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K6KG
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: REAR TORSION BAR BROKE 4 TIMES. *SD
1996-05-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-28
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K1KG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVING VEHICLE HOME, SMOKE STARTED FROM CENTER OF DASHBOARD, ARRIVED HOME, SHUT VEHICLE OFF, SUDDENLY VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
1996-04-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K5KG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD
1996-01-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 183XG44K44K
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
1995-12-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-25
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3XG24K3KG
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: PURCHASE CAR USED PARKED CAR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT
1995-12-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: AUTO-TRANSMISSION; WHILE DRIVING, TRANSMISSION FAILED DROPPING INTO LOWER GEAR RESULTING IN COMPLETE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-12-27

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTO-TRANSMISSION; WHILE DRIVING, TRANSMISSION FAILED DROPPING INTO LOWER GEAR RESULTING IN COMPLETE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

1989 Dodge Daytona recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Dodge Daytona.

2008-04-14
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
  • Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
1992-02-11
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
  • Summary: THE BONDED DISC BRAKE LININGS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SHOES DUE TO A BONDING DEFICIENCY WHICH MAY ALLOW CORROSION DEGRADATION OF THE BOND ATTACHMENT.
  • Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE DISC BRAKE LININGS RESULTS IN ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 15 INCH BRAKES. REPLACE ONLY THE REAR BRAKE LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 14 INCH BRAKES BECAUSE THE FRONT LININGS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE RIVETED.
1989-12-27
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Dodge Daytona problems:

1989 Daytona problems!!!! | Turbo Dodge Forums
1989 Daytona problems!!!! | Turbo Dodge Forums
https://www.turbododge.com/threads/1989-daytona-problems.134845/

May 5, 2007 ... couple of other guys in another forum suggested I come here- looks like a active site!!!!!:thumb: Picked up a 89 daytona for the Daughter to use ...

Just bought a 1989 Dodge Daytona Shelby
Just bought a 1989 Dodge Daytona Shelby
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?67524-Just-bought-a-1989-Dodge-Daytona-Shelby

As for common problems, 1. Headlight module fails causing headlight motors not to work. (Easy fix if you know how to solder) 2. Door pins ...

1989 dodge daytona shelby digital dash repair | Turbo Dodge Forums
1989 dodge daytona shelby digital dash repair | Turbo Dodge Forums
https://www.turbododge.com/threads/1989-dodge-daytona-shelby-digital-dash-repair.1258628/

Oct 11, 2022 ... Common problems and solutions for the 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z and possibly others. My son and I recently bought a 1987 Dodge Daytona ...

Dodge Daytona Turbo Z? Any good? Stay away?| Grassroots ...
Dodge Daytona Turbo Z? Any good? Stay away?| Grassroots ...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/dodge-daytona-turbo-z-any-good-stay-away/4563/page1/

Dodge Daytona Turbo Z? Any good? Stay away ... Reliability on a Dodge that old is iffy at best. ... problems. ALL that being said, you could do ...

So what are really the common problems for an mkiii? | Supra Forums
So what are really the common problems for an mkiii? | Supra Forums
https://www.supraforums.com/threads/so-what-are-really-the-common-problems-for-an-mkiii.106176/

Feb 25, 2003 ... Thanks a lot. Save Share. Like. Powered By. 10. 790.2K. 208. New Toyota 4Runner, Dodge Charger Daytona, and What You Shouldn't Do to Your Car.

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Daytona 1990
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dodge daytona 1991 photo
Daytona 1991
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