RoadVitals

1989 Plymouth Sundance

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.
33
Latest Jul 17, 2003
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.
3
Latest Apr 14, 2008
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.
3
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.
3

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Plymouth Sundance, most frequently naming the engine, seat belts and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 15 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

  • Engine1023.3%
  • Seat belts818.6%
  • Body & structure49.3%
  • Interior & seats49.3%
  • Electrical37.0%
  • Heating & air conditioning37.0%
  • Driver assistance24.7%
  • Powertrain (other)24.7%

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

3 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
08E033000

SUSPENSION

Apr 14, 2008
6,903 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov
92V053000

SEAT BELTS

Apr 13, 1992
115,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
The risk: SEAT OCCUPANTS WITHOUT SHOULDER RESTRAINTS ARE SUBJECT TOINCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
89V237000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Dec 27, 1989
634,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
The risk: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
The remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA91043ClosedEngineering Analysis

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

Opened Oct 30, 1991
Closed Apr 20, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTSLed to recall 92V053000
PE91082ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

Opened Jun 5, 1991
Closed Oct 30, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS
PE91065ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN

Opened Apr 16, 1991
Closed Aug 30, 1991

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 33
Body & structure
Filed Jul 17, 2003

PAINT PEELING. *AK

NHTSA ID
10028540
Incident
Mar 3, 1998
Mileage
99,000 mi
EngineSeat belts
Filed May 25, 2001

VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. AND AFTER HAVING REPAIRED LEAK A FEW TIMES WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THAT PART. ALSO, HAS A PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELTS. *AK

NHTSA ID
889209
Incident
May 25, 2001
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2001

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
743118
Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2001

CONSUMER NOTICED LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL ON DRIVERWAY. HAD VEHICLE SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN STATED HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
881558
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2000

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH LACK OF ACCELERATION AND HESITATION WHILE DRVING AT 35 MPH OR MORE. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF INDEPENDENT AND DEALER SHOPS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK

NHTSA ID
861100
Incident
Jun 10, 1996
Electrical
Filed Nov 16, 1999

PROBLEM: CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD;ACTS LIKE THE IGNITION IS SUDDENLY INTERRUPTED. WILL START BACK UP IN A MINUTE OR LESS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW CAUSE OR WHAT TO LOOK FOR. HELP! *AK

NHTSA ID
714873
Seat belts
Filed Sep 30, 1999

WE WERE NOTIFIED OF A RECALL INVOLVING THE AUTOMATIC SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WERE GIVEN A SMALL TUBE OF LUBRICANT TO USE ON THE TRACKS. LATER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO MANUALLY MOVE IT TO THE POINT AT WHICH IT WOULD NORMALLY BE WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND THE SHOULDER BELT WAS IN USE. WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING THIS BELT IN THIS MANUAL MANNER FOR OVER FOUR YEARS. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE PARTS INVOLVED IF THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED ITS "ECONOMIC LIFE". WHEN ASKED WHAT THAT "LIFE" EXPECTANCY WAS, I WAS TOLD "ANYTHING OVER 100,000 MILES". THE PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED. I WAS ADVISED THAT I COULD PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR A COST IN EXCESS OF $200 PER ASSEMBLY. I DID NOT REPLACE THE PARTS, NOR DID THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN USE AND THE BELTS ARE LAWFULLY SUPPOSED TO BE FUNCTIONING AS "AUTOMATIC" BUT THEY DO NOT. THE SHOULDER HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RECEIVES LESS USE, BUT IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. HOW DO WE GET THE DEALER TO COMPLY AND REPAIR THIS VEHICLE? NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 92V053000L COMPONENT: INTEIOR SYSTEMS PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELTS; MANUFACTURER: CHRYSLER CORPORATION; POTENTIONAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 115000. OUR VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE ONE OF THOSE AFFECTED. NOW WHAT?

NHTSA ID
712535
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 5, 1999

BACK WHEELS WERE MAKING NOISY. TOOK CAR TO GARAGE AND WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE LIFT THE PASSENGER'S REAR HUB FELL OFF. THE ONLY THING KEEPING IT ON WAS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. THE LOOSE HUB HAD WORN A GROOVE INTO THE AXLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
701923
Incident
Dec 14, 1998

Manufacturer communications

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

2100601

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ

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

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 Sundance by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1998100—
1996001—
1995202—
1994591357.9
1993601358.5
1992494565.0
1991304563.0
1990362163.4
1989Viewing333358.3
1988273463.6
1987122365.3
1986010—
1985010—

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.