RoadVitals

1990 Plymouth Laser

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Aug 25, 2002
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 24, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Plymouth Laser, most frequently naming the engine, seat belts and body & structure categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 7 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine825.8%
  • Seat belts516.1%
  • Body & structure412.9%
  • Exterior lighting412.9%
  • Tires & wheels26.5%
  • Powertrain (other)26.5%
  • Electrical26.5%
  • Transmission13.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
920,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Jun 1, 1990
184 units potentially affected
The defect: DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
The risk: WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.
The remedy: REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Mar 21, 1990
265 units potentially affected
The defect: OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
The risk: THE SUNROOF GLASS COULD DETACH FROM THE ROOF AND RESULTIN INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR PERSONS IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
The remedy: REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA98002ClosedEngineering Analysis

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP

Opened Jan 30, 1998
Closed Apr 30, 1998
WHEELSLed to recall 98V069001
PE94074ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HOOD FLY-UP

Opened Oct 12, 1994
Closed Feb 24, 1995

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2002

WHEN OVERHEATED, OIL DISPERSED. *AK

NHTSA ID
766172
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 2002

CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT BROKE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. NLM *YH

NHTSA ID
8006419
Incident
Jan 24, 2002
Seat belts
Filed Mar 6, 2001

SEATBELT STAYS IN FORWARD POSITION MOST TIMES. WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING, THERE IS NOR RESTRAINT.*AK

NHTSA ID
742011
Incident
Feb 28, 2001
Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2000

TIMING BELT CUT OFF. COMPLETE POWER SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AT A 65 MILES/ HOUR ZONE, INCLUDING STEERING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ALMOST RESULTING IN THE INJURY AND DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS ON HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING ALTHOUGH BELT WAS CHANGED AT DEALERSHIP 35,000 MILES AGO. MANUFACTURER SUGGESTS CHANGING TIMING BELT EVERY 60,000 MILES OR MORE.

NHTSA ID
732380
Incident
Apr 13, 2000
ElectricalTires & wheels
Filed Sep 12, 2000

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE FAILURE-SIDEWALL BLOWN OUT. OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND INSURED LOST CONTROL. P265/75/R16 I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE. I LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. I RAN OFF THE ROAD. I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT I HIT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED SO FAST. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED. (CLAIM# 40-2418-573) *MW

NHTSA ID
6900715
Incident
Aug 10, 2000
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 26, 2000

CRACKS DEVELOPED IN TIRE AFTER ONLY 6000 MILES OF USE AND DEALER WOULD NOT REFUND FOR FAULTY PRODUCT.( DOT NUMBER: E4 027269 TIRE SIZE: 205/55 R16 )

NHTSA ID
729133
Incident
Aug 24, 2000
Engine
Filed May 3, 2000

NO SUMMARY MENTIONED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
722257
Incident
Nov 5, 1999
Seat belts
Filed Apr 13, 2000

RECALL 95V103.003/ACTIVE RESTRAINTS BELT BUCKELES: RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED AND CONSUMER BEEN TRYING TO GET DEALER TO HONOR IT SINCE DEC/1998. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

NHTSA ID
860257
Incident
Mar 31, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

0800600REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

2300800B

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

230800

SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

080600

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

233599REVA

STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS

233599

SEATS

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Plymouth Laser by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1998200
1996001
1995102
1994413
1993151453.2
1992351346.3
1991301248.7
1990Viewing294252.2
1987011

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.