1990 Plymouth Laser

○ Not enough data
1990 Plymouth Laser
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:55:18.870Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

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
30
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 30 complaints 1990 30 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 35 complaints 1992 1993: 15 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1998: 2 complaints 1998
1990: 30 complaints 1990 30 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 35 complaints 1992 1993: 15 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1998: 2 complaints 1998
1990: 30 complaints 1990 30 1991: 30 complaints 1991 1992: 35 complaints 1992 1993: 15 complaints 1993 1994: 4 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1998: 2 complaints 1998

1990: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19870
199030
199130
199235
199315
19944
19951
19960
19982

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

30% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

When overheated, oil dispersed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26

Structure

17% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and hood.

Show complaint excerpts

Hood flew open while driving at 60 MPH. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-01

Seat belts

17% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

Exterior lighting

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Under headlight, wiring harness "Pop ups" Has worn out, resulting in vehicle fire in area behind headlights. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-06

Power train

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and driveshaft.

Show complaint excerpts

The gear is threaded in the same direction as the shaft ,and has the ablity to come off, and damage the engine enough to need replacement. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1989-09-19Electrical system89V128000 Wiring harness for the headlamps may break due to the stress created by the headlamp pop up devices.

    Remedy: Headlamp wiring harness routing will be modified and damaged wires repaired.

  2. R
    1990-05-23Visibility90V056001 Operation of sunroof in "Non-standard" Manner may cause male hinge disengagement from the roof hinge receiver.

    Remedy: Replace male hinge with a modified version to increase roof hinge receiver retention ability.

  3. R
    1990-08-07Visibility90V106001 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.

    Remedy: Replace windshields, associated parts, and primer.

  4. I
    1994-10-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-02-24 Hood fly-up
  5. R
    1995-12-13Seat belts95V103003 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…

    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…

  6. I
    1998-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1998-04-30 Transfer case lockup

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Plymouth Laser — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V128000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 90V056001 · Visibility
  • Recall 90V106001 · Visibility
  • Recall 95V103003 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1990 Plymouth Laser reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Plymouth Laser?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
4 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.