Check a VIN

1990 Plymouth Laser problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Plymouth Laser is engine and cooling. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Laser model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-24mpg

The worst 1990 Plymouth Laser problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    8
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Lights
    4
  • Transmission
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Plymouth Laser

Headlights 5

Recalls 4

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported May 24, 1995 · 920,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
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.

Recall number 95V103003 · Recall details

Visibility: windshieldReported June 1, 1990 · 184 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Windshields would not prevent ejection of vehicleoccupants during a vehicle crash, which causes serious injuries and fatalities.
Remedy
Replace windshields, associated parts, and primer.

Recall number 90V106001 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported March 21, 1990 · 265 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Operation of sunroof in "non-standard" manner may cause male hinge disengagement from the roof hinge receiver.
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.
Remedy
Replace male hinge with a modified version to increase roof hinge receiver retention ability.

Recall number 90V056001 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported July 31, 1989 · 5,510 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Wiring harness for the headlamps may break due to the stress created by the headlamp pop up devices.
Risk
Breakage of the wiring harness causes loss ofheadlamp illumination which could have a potential for an accident.
Remedy
Headlamp wiring harness routing will be modified and damaged wires repaired.

Recall number 89V128000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Plymouth Laser

Defect investigations

Transfer case lockupOpened January 30, 1998, closed April 30, 1998

EA98002

Hood fly-upOpened October 12, 1994, closed February 24, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE94074

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Plymouth Laser 7

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 7 bulletins for the 1990 Plymouth Laser

1990 Plymouth Laser fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD2127-2923-24
2.0L 4‑cylFWD1925-2621-22

What 1990 Plymouth Laser owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 25, 2002 · Engine · CA

When overheated, oil dispersed.

Filed Mar 26, 2002 · Engine · NJ

Consumer stated the timing belt broke and damaged the engine. The dealer has been contacted. Nlm

Filed Mar 6, 2001 · Seat belts · WA

Seatbelt stays in forward position most times. When it's not working, there is nor restraint.

Filed Sep 24, 2000 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Aug 26, 2000 · Tires · CA

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 )

Filed May 3, 2000 · Engine · OH

No summary mentioned for above vehicle.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Seat belts · FL

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 the federal safety agency in this matter.

Filed Mar 30, 2000 · ME

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Engine · AL

Engine and timing belt failed causing vehicle to stall while stopped, upon service dealer found 4 broken valves, one of which was lodged into head, holes in 1 piston, scarred cylinder block.

Filed Sep 29, 1999 · Engine · NY

The vehicle made loud noises due to a crack in engine manifold. Dealer has repairedvehicle.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Plymouth Laser before you buy

Compare the 1990 Plymouth Laser

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951998

Questions about the 1990 Plymouth Laser

Is the 1990 Plymouth Laser reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1990 Plymouth Laser, 1.9 times a typical Laser model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Plymouth Laser?

Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints. Next is seat belts (5).

How many recalls does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have?

4 recalls, covering seat belts, visibility and electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Plymouth Laser get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Plymouth Laser range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 27-29 highway.

Share your experience with the 1990 Plymouth Laser

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1990 Plymouth Laser?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN