1989 Plymouth Sundance

▲ Better than typical

1989 Plymouth Sundance
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:50.128Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1989: 33 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1985	0
1986	0
1987	12
1988	27
1989	33
1990	37
1991	31
1992	49
1993	60
1994	59
1995	2
1996	0
1998	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 33%

33% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19980402

ENGINE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970529

SEAT BELTS 24%

24% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE DASH TO CATCH ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970306

STRUCTURE 12%

12% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing trunk lid and support device/strut.

Show complaint excerpts

PAINT PEELING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030717

EQUIPMENT 9%

9% of complaints: equipment — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900221 — engine and engine cooling

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

I 19910416 — PE (closed 19910830)

STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN

I 19910605 — PE (closed 19911030)

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19920420)

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

R 19921228 — seat belts

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Remedy: REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.

Campaign 92V053000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20080522 — suspension

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 Sundance — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Verify recall 92V053000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ● 1990 ◆ 1992

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1992

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Plymouth Sundance reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Plymouth Sundance is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Plymouth Sundance?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Plymouth Sundance have?

3 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.