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Model year record

1990 Plymouth Laser recalls & problems

The 1990 Plymouth Laser has 4 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (9 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints30filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Seat beltsMay 24, 1995

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 95V103003920,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
VisibilityJun 1, 1990

Windshield

Recall 90V106001184 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.
Fix
REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.
VisibilityMar 21, 1990

Sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 90V056001265 vehicles

Problem
OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
Risk
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.
Fix
REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.
Electrical systemJul 31, 1989

Wiring

Recall 89V1280005,510 vehicles

Problem
WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.
Risk
BREAKAGE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSES LOSS OFHEADLAMP ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD HAVE A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix
HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS ROUTING WILL BE MODIFIED AND DAMAGED WIRES REPAIRED.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1990 Plymouth Laser 2-DR. Hatchback

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Laser

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Laser

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Laser

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Laser

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Laser

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline9000—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Hood5000—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage5000—
Exterior lightingHeadlights4010—
Power trainDriveline › Driveshaft; Axle assembly3000—
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Front underhood2000—
VisibilityWindshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system2000—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Drum1000—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner1000—
Unknown or other1000—
Tires1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations