The 1990 Dodge Monaco has 5 recalls, the most serious involving two separate brake system failures and a steering shaft separation that can cause complete loss of steering control.
Two recalls target the brake hydraulic system from different angles. The front brake hoses are routed in a way that causes them to flex repeatedly, which cracks the outer cover and can lead to brake fluid loss and reduced stopping power. At the rear, the brake fluid tube can be pinched by the fuel tank heat shield when the suspension compresses fully, cutting into the line and leaking fluid from one half of the brake circuit, which also reduces braking capability. The steering concern is a lower intermediate shaft that can separate at its rubber coupling, leaving the driver with no ability to steer the vehicle. There is also a heater core issue: an end cap connecting the core to the engine cooling system can rupture and spray hot coolant directly onto the driver's feet and lower legs inside the cabin. Rounding out the list, the automatic shoulder belt system can malfunction and stop moving into its protective position, leaving the front occupant without passive restraint protection in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic shoulder belt system may malfunction and stop working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the track and drive assembly in automatic shoulder belt systems that are not working.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The end cap that connects the heat exchanger core to the engine cooling system may rupture, causing hot coolant to leak into the passenger compartment.
What the fix does
A temperature-controlled bypass valve will be installed to regulate coolant flow through the heater core.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake fluid tube can touch the fuel tank heat shield when the suspension compresses fully, damaging the tube and causing brake fluid to leak.
What the fix does
The heat shield will be modified to prevent it from contacting the brake tube.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hose routing can cause excessive flexing, leading to fatigue cracks in the outer hose cover.
What the fix does
Replace front brake hoses with redesigned hoses that have modified routing to prevent excessive flexing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower intermediate steering shaft can separate at its rubber coupling, potentially causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Replace the intermediate steering shaft with one that has a restrained coupling to prevent separation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
