1992 Plymouth Acclaim Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1992 Plymouth Acclaim, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1215.4%
- Suspension911.5%
- Electrical810.3%
- Driver assistance79.0%
- Powertrain (other)79.0%
- Steering56.4%
- Fuel system56.4%
- Transmission56.4%
- Engine45.1%
- Visibility33.8%
- Body & structure33.8%
- Brakes33.8%
- Seat belts22.6%
- Exterior lighting22.6%
- Interior & seats22.6%
- Heating & air conditioning11.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. *AK
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE WAS AN ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER. MR SCC *JB
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE APPEARED IN VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS. ALSO REPLACED GASKET/THERMOSTAT/RADIATOR CAP. *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL, AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. *SCC
WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, AND THE SPEED SET AT 68 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. TO GAIN CONTROL, VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO NETURAL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WELD ON THE REAR AXLE BROKE & IS HARD CONTROL AROUND TURNS/TEMP&SPEEDOMETER WORK ON AND OFF CAN'T FIND PROBLEM, AND DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HAD NO COMPLANTS ON ALL OF THESE THINGS. *AK
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLES UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING AND LOSS STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE VIN# WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL92V015. MR *JG
WOULD MAKE A RIGHT TURN & STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN POSITION. WOULD PULL HARD TO LEFT TO CORRECT TOWARDS CENTER. WOULD HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND. TOOK TO SHOP & MECHANIC NOTICED RACK & PINION ON BOTTOM OF STEERING WAS RUINED. HAD NO LEAKS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED. *YH
THE RUBBER TUBING BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE ENGINE DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LEAKS, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL, REVERSE, PARK, THEN STARTED LEAKING FLUIDS. *ET
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ,IT WAS IN PARK GEAR. DEALER HAD TOLD CONSUMER TO PUSH GEAR TOWARDS CONSUMER AND UP TO MAKE SURE GEAR WAS IN PARK. SUDDENLY GEAR JUMPED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A TREE. CONSUMER HAS TO GET DOOR AND LEFT FENDER REPLACED ,CONSUMER SUSTAINED BRUISES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE APPEARED IN VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS. ALSO REPLACED GASKET/THERMOSTAT/RADIATOR CAP. *AK
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED.
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. OWNER INSTALLED A GROUND WIRE FOR PROPER CONNECTION. TT WIPER MOTOR IS MOUNTED ON A PLATE AND PLATE IS ATTACHED TO CHASSIS, BOLTS ON MOUNTING PLATE MAKE POOR GROUND CONNECTOR. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE HAS CRACKED AND DOOR IS ALMOST FALLING OFF . *AK
THE REAR WELD ON THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE IS CRACKED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE LINE AND TRANSMISSION CABLE INSTALLED TOO CLOSE, CAUSING TRANSMISSION CABLE TO RUB A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE/BRAKE FAILURE.
AUTO-TRAN: WHILE DRIVING WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE WILL INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATE/SURGE, LURCH FORWARD. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG NOR SEAT BELTS PROTECTED THE CONSUMER DURING AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE CONSUMER HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45MPH. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
WHEN DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, VEHICLE PICKED UP EXCESSIVE SPEED, WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT TWO POLES AND FLIPPED OVER. DAUGHTER WAS EJECTED FROM VEHICLE AND KILLED. THREE WITNESSES SAW DAUGHTER PUT ON HER SEAT BELT. ANOTHER OCCUPANT IN VEHICLE WAS INJURED. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FILLED WITH WATER , CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BLOW OUT. AK
HEADLIGHTS FAILED DUE TO CONDENSATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRUISE CONTROL/RIGHT FRONT DOOR LOCK FAILED.
SEAT BACK LATCH FAILED, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE 2 TIMES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
CIRCUIT FOR AIR CONDITIONER FAN GOES THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE HIGHER THE A/C FAN SPEED, THE MORE THE IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS- GETS HOT ENOUGH TO MELT WIRE INSULATION AND CAUSE FIRST DEGREE BURNS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .