1998 Dodge Spirit problems

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The Dodge Spirit is a midsize automobile marketed by Dodge from the 1989 to the 1995 model years. The singular successor of the Dodge Aries, Dodge Lancer, and the Dodge 600 (initially marketed alongside the former), the Spirit was slotted between the Shadow and the Dynasty within the Dodge product line. In contrast to its predecessors, the Spirit was sold exclusively as a four-door notchback sedan.

The Spirit used the Chrysler AA platform, an extended-wheelbase variation of the Chrysler K platform. A design used across all three Chrysler divisions, the Spirit was marketed with alongside the Plymouth Acclaim and the 1990-1994 Chrysler LeBaron sedan. The model line was exported to Europe under the Chrysler Saratoga nameplate.

Chrysler assembled the Spirit alongside the Acclaim and LeBaron sedan at Newark Assembly (Newark, Delaware) and Toluca Car Assembly (Toluca, Mexico). The final example was produced on December 9, 1994. For 1995, the Dodge Stratus replaced the Spirit.

1998 Dodge Spirit

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Common 1998 Dodge Spirit problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Dodge Spirit 1998, here are the common problems associated with this car:

  1. Transmission Failure in the 1992 Spirit:
    • Owners reported issues with transmission failure in the 1992 Dodge Spirit. This problem can lead to significant drivability issues and may require costly repairs to fix.
  2. Loss of Power in the 1995 Spirit:
    • Another common complaint was the loss of power in the 1995 Dodge Spirit. This issue can affect the car's performance and acceleration, impacting the overall driving experience.
  3. Lights Don't Work in the 1994 Spirit:
    • Owners noted problems with the lights not working in the 1994 Dodge Spirit. Malfunctioning lights can compromise visibility, safety, and compliance with road regulations.
  4. Constant Downshifts While Driving in the 1994 Spirit:
    • Some owners reported that the 1994 Dodge Spirit downshifts constantly while driving. This issue can cause jerky movements, affect fuel efficiency, and lead to premature wear on the transmission.
  5. Key Won't Turn in Ignition in the 1993 Spirit:
    • A common complaint was the key not turning in the ignition of the 1993 Dodge Spirit. This issue can prevent the car from starting and may require repairs to the ignition system.
  6. Engine Issues:
    • Three complaints were related to engine problems in the Dodge Spirit 1998. Engine issues can range from poor performance to complete failure, necessitating thorough diagnostics and repairs.
  7. Transmission Troubles:
    • Two complaints were specifically about transmission problems. Transmission issues can manifest in various ways, affecting gear shifting, smoothness of driving, and overall vehicle reliability.
  8. Electrical Problems:
    • One complaint highlighted electrical issues in the Dodge Spirit 1998. Electrical problems can be complex and impact various systems in the car, requiring expert diagnosis and repairs.
  9. Interior Concerns:
    • Another complaint was related to interior issues. Interior problems can range from comfort-related issues to malfunctions in components like seats, dashboard controls, or air conditioning.

These common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Spirit 1998 highlight various areas of concern that can impact the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these issues promptly through professional maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1998 Dodge Spirit engine

What car replaced the Dodge Spirit?

Chrysler assembled the Spirit alongside the Acclaim and LeBaron sedan at Newark Assembly (Newark, Delaware) and Toluca Car Assembly (Toluca, Mexico). The final example was produced on December 9, 1994. For 1995, the Dodge Stratus replaced the Spirit.

What was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Spirit?

The Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim (also sold as one model of the Chrysler LeBaron and, outside the US, as the Saratoga) provided reliable transportation in a traditionally styled four-door sedan from 1989 to 1995. They were available with the 2.5, 2.5 turbo, 2.2 turbo, and 3.0 V-6.

What is the Dodge Spirit 0 60?

Speaking of BMW, the R/T could sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 5.8 seconds, according to a test conducted by Car and Driver, making it quicker than the E34 M5 (6.3 seconds). Moreover, it could run the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds, a full second faster than the Bimmer and half of a second faster than the Taurus SHO.

Why was Dodge discontinued?

The Decision to Discontinue

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis has announced that the current versions of the Charger and Challenger will be their last, at least for the foreseeable future. Production officially ended in December 2023 due to the parent company's transition to cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs).

What car replaced the Dodge Spirit?

Chrysler assembled the Spirit alongside the Acclaim and LeBaron sedan at Newark Assembly (Newark, Delaware) and Toluca Car Assembly (Toluca, Mexico). The final example was produced on December 9, 1994. For 1995, the Dodge Stratus replaced the Spirit.

What was the Plymouth version of the Dodge Spirit?

The Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim (also sold as one model of the Chrysler LeBaron and, outside the US, as the Saratoga) provided reliable transportation in a traditionally styled four-door sedan from 1989 to 1995. They were available with the 2.5, 2.5 turbo, 2.2 turbo, and 3.0 V-6.

Why did they stop making Dodge?

The Decision to Discontinue

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis has announced that the current versions of the Charger and Challenger will be their last, at least for the foreseeable future. Production officially ended in December 2023 due to the parent company's transition to cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles (EVs).

Does Dodge still exist?

Dodge is an American brand of automobiles and a division of Stellantis North America, based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

1998 Dodge Spirit car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Spirit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Dodge Spirit complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Dodge Spirit.

2000-12-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1B3XA7633LF
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ENGINE GOT HOT THEN JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND HASEN'T RAN SINCE. IHAD IT LOOKED AT BY THREE OF FOUR MACHNICS AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A HEAD GASKET THAT WOULD COST AROUND 1300 DOLLARS TO FIX. AND I JUST DONT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY.*AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Dodge Spirit problems:

Q&A: 1994 Dodge Spirit - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 1994 Dodge Spirit - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/3x17h-1994-dodge-spirit-3-0-speed-auto-transmission.html

Aug 24, 2010 ... I have a 1994 Dodge spirit 3.0 v 6 3 speed auto. Transmission stopped shifting. checked fluid 1 qt. low. I added 1 qt - Answered by a ...

Dodge Stratus -- RELIABILITY??? — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Dodge Stratus -- RELIABILITY??? — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/1385/dodge/stratus/dodge-stratus-reliability

Jan 18, 2001 ... The later years (98-2000) were much better than the earlier ones. If it's a 4-cylinder, chances are it will need a head gasket sometime before ...

Q&A: Dodge Spirit V6 - Good Running, Radiator Fan Relay, and More
Q&A: Dodge Spirit V6 - Good Running, Radiator Fan Relay, and More
https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/mfnco-1993-dodge-spirit-v6-runs-good-it-s.html

Jul 9, 2023 ... I have a 1993 Dodge Spirit V6 and it runs very good but it's just started doing a problem. The fan runs continuously - Answered by a ...

Plymouth Acclaim (Or Dodge Spirit) Questions.. - CEG Archives
Plymouth Acclaim (Or Dodge Spirit) Questions.. - CEG Archives
https://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=961813

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Plymouth Acclaim (Or Dodge Spirit) Questions.. ... Shape is, the brakes have some problems ( ...

2000 Dodge Dakota Transmission shifting problems — Car Forums ...
2000 Dodge Dakota Transmission shifting problems — Car Forums ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/12060/dodge/dakota/2000-dodge-dakota-transmission-shifting-problems

Aug 27, 2009 ... 2000 Dodge Dakota Transmission shifting problems ... I'm thinking of buying a lovely red 98 ... July 2010. I have an automatic 92 dodge spirit ...

Other years of Dodge Spirit

dodge spirit 2002 photo
Spirit 2002
Dodge

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge spirit 1989 photo
Spirit 1989
Dodge

25

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge spirit 1990 photo
Spirit 1990
Dodge

81

2

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge spirit 1991 photo
Spirit 1991
Dodge

122

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge spirit 1992 photo
Spirit 1992
Dodge

79

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge spirit 1993 photo
Spirit 1993
Dodge

104

0

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1998 Dodge Spirit photo