1989 Plymouth Acclaim
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 64 |
| 1991 | 99 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 71 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
48% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
21% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE IS A CRACK IN THR REAR TRAILING MEMBER . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950713
21% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing axle assembly and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN CAR WAS 4 YRS. OLD HAD TO FIX REAR AXLE , 2 YRS. LATER IT BROKE AGAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950605
12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE HEATING UNIT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE DASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991228
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED A WIRE MELTED INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030922
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Campaign 89V237000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WIT
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.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Plymouth Acclaim — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.