RoadVitals

1990 Plymouth Sundance Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
36
Latest Jan 7, 2002
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 Plymouth Sundance, 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

  • Airbags1224.5%
  • Transmission714.3%
  • Engine612.2%
  • Seat belts48.2%
  • Brakes36.1%
  • Steering36.1%
  • Suspension36.1%
  • Body & structure36.1%
  • Electrical24.1%
  • Interior & seats24.1%
  • Exterior lighting12.0%
  • Other / unspecified12.0%
  • Heating & air conditioning12.0%
  • Fuel system12.0%

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.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE COLLISION HAD TAKEN PLACE. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN OWNER. *AK

NHTSA ID 830605 · filed Nov 12, 1998
All 12 reports naming airbags

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED OUT OF GEAR AND REMOVED KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, CONDITION CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL FORWARD INTO A NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY WALL. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AKTHE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK YET THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD INTO A NEIGHBORS WALL CAUSING PROPERY DAMAGE. NLM

NHTSA ID 8001665 · filed Jan 7, 2002

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET BLOWS OFF RESULTING IN LOSS OF OIL, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXHIBITS THE SAME FAILURE DESCRIBED IN RECALL 89V-237 BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. NLM

NHTSA ID 559926 · filed Feb 28, 2001

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE COLLISION HAD TAKEN PLACE. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN OWNER. *AK

NHTSA ID 830605 · filed Nov 12, 1998

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, EXITING A RAMP AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE. ALSO, STEERING LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ID 835112 · filed Feb 22, 1999

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, EXITING A RAMP AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE. ALSO, STEERING LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ID 835112 · filed Feb 22, 1999

FOR POWER STEERING THE STEERING IS TERRIBLE AND STEERING THE VEHICL IS VERY HARD, ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID 979883 · filed Feb 29, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REPLACED LEAKING OIL GASKET SEAL, ALSO TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED ANS STRUT RODS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

NHTSA ID 508367 · filed Sep 10, 1996

SUPPORT BAR ON REAR AXLE IS BROKEN. TT

NHTSA ID 964358 · filed Apr 25, 1995

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

IN HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS THE TRUNK LID DOES NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION.*AK

NHTSA ID 802130 · filed Sep 10, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID 823108 · filed May 6, 1998

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BOLT BROKE, CAUSING CONSUMER'S SEAT TO FALL BACK A LITTLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 842011 · filed Jul 9, 1999

WHILE STOPPED IN A LEFT TURN LANE THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE IMPACT CAUSED BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBACKS TO COLLAPSE BACKWARD, CAUSING NECK STRAIN TO THE PASSENGER AND NECK & LOWER BACK STRAIN TO THE DRIVER.

NHTSA ID 701292 · filed Jan 19, 1999

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REPLACED LEAKING OIL GASKET SEAL, ALSO TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED ANS STRUT RODS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

NHTSA ID 508367 · filed Sep 10, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING REAR WHEEL BROKE AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURVE AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER IN THE SEAT. ALSO THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTILL THE VEHICLE HAD CAME TO AN COMPLETE STOP.*AK

NHTSA ID 801675 · filed Aug 30, 1996

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED. *SD

NHTSA ID 500785 · filed Mar 12, 1996

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559923 · filed Feb 27, 2001

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

Data on this page last refreshed .