1990 Plymouth Laser: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Plymouth Laser: 4 recalls, 30 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #89V128000 · 1989 · 5,510 vehicles
What's wrong: Wiring harness for the headlamps May break due to the stress created by the headlamp pop up devices.
Why it matters: Breakage of the wiring harness causes loss ofheadlamp illumination which could have a potential for an accident.
The fix: Headlamp wiring harness routing will be modified and damaged wires repaired.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #90V056001 · 1990 · 265 vehicles
What's wrong: Operation of sunroof in "non-standard" manner May cause male hinge disengagement from the roof hinge receiver.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Replace male hinge with a modified version to increase roof hinge receiver retention ability.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #90V106001 · 1990 · 184 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: Windshields would not prevent ejection of vehicleoccupants during a vehicle crash, which causes serious injuries and fatalities.
The fix: Replace windshields, associated parts, and primer.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103003 · 1995 · 920,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Body & structure (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Plymouth Laser has 30 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 Laser model years for complaints (1.8× the average Laser year). Complaints peaked in 1996 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (30 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Plymouth Laser.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Plymouth Laser. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Plymouth Laser problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (8), body & structure (5), seat belts (5).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Plymouth Laser get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Plymouth Laser repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.