Is the 1989 Plymouth Reliant 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 1989 Plymouth Reliant?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Plymouth Reliant have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1989 Plymouth Reliant

○ Not enough data

1989 Plymouth Reliant
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:27.093Z

Only 7 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 7
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1989: 7 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	2
1982	2
1983	1
1984	1
1985	5
1986	4
1987	10
1988	16
1989	7
1990	1

Known problem areas

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

While parked after driving for an hour, the vehicle caught on fire. *ak the consumer was driving the vehicle when she smelled something burning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-10

Vehicle speed control

2 of 7 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Turned car on, vehicle jumped forward into wall. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-25

Tires

1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.

Show complaint excerpts

Spare tire blew out while mounted inside trunk.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-02

Service brakes

1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

1990-02-21Engine and engine cooling89V237000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
I
1991-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-08-30 Steering gear bolts loosen
R

2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Plymouth Reliant — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

FAQ

Is the 1989 Plymouth Reliant 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 1989 Plymouth Reliant?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Plymouth Reliant 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.