1985 Chrysler Laser problems
The Plymouth Laser is a two-door 2+2 sports coupe sold by Plymouth from 1989 until 1994. The Laser and its siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, were the first vehicles produced under the newly formed Diamond-Star Motors, a joint-venture between the Chrysler Corporation and the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Overview
Introduced as "the first Plymouth of the '90s" in advertising, the Plymouth Laser debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model. The company produced a Chrysler Laser model from 1984 to 1986. The 2-door hatchback was based on the Dodge Daytona model prior to the name badge moving, to the Plymouth brand. Commercials for the 1990 Laser featured R&B singer Tina Turner who appeared in a series of 1990 promotional ads for Plymouth. With three available engines, two transmission offerings, and sporty "aero" styling, the Laser was the most performance-oriented Plymouth since the Barracuda, Duster, and Road Runner muscle cars of the 1970s.
Despite its close resemblance to its Mitsubishi and Eagle siblings, it has several unique styling cues intended to set it apart from the other two. Apart from badging, Lasers sport a race-inspired look, with a plastic panel in the place of a grille, a full rear light-bar, a bulge on the hood for 2.0 L engine models (not necessarily turbocharged), and available stylish "lace" patterned alloy wheels. Rallye Sport (RS), models are set apart from the base models by their black roof with body-colored targa band, power steering, lower bodyside accent striping, and dual power mirrors, as well as an array of options not available on base Lasers.
Base model Lasers carry a 92 hp (69 kW) 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, whereas a 135 hp (101 kW), 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder was optional with the Laser RS. The top-of-the-line RS Turbo came equipped with a 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 195 hp (145 kW). A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. A 4-speed automatic was optional, except with the turbocharged engine, which could only be ordered with the manual transmission until 1991 models debuted.
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Common 1985 Chrysler Laser problems
The Chrysler Laser, produced from 1984 to 1986, is known for its sporty design and futuristic features. However, as with any vehicle, there are common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the fuel pump. Multiple owners have reported problems with the fuel pump, including instances where the fuel pump has gone bad multiple times.
Another common problem with the Chrysler Laser is related to the engine. Some owners have reported a lifter tick, which can be caused by worn-out lifters or hydraulic lifters that are not functioning properly.
The digital dash and voice-alert system are also known to cause problems in the Chrysler Laser. Some owners have reported issues with the digital dash not working properly, including problems with the speedometer and fuel gauge.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the transmission in the Chrysler Laser. Specifically, some owners have reported problems with the manual gearbox, which can be difficult to shift smoothly, quickly, or without grinding. This issue can lead to a rough driving experience and can make it difficult to shift gears, particularly at high speeds or when accelerating quickly.
In summary, the Chrysler Laser is known for its sporty design and futuristic features. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its problems. Common issues include fuel pump failures, engine problems, issues with the digital dash and voice-alert system, and transmission problems. Owners who are experiencing these issues may want to consider replacing the fuel pump, checking the lifters and hydraulic lifters, repairing or replacing the digital dash, or addressing the transmission issues as necessary.
1985 Chrysler Laser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chrysler Laser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seats problems
- Power train problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Chrysler Laser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Chrysler Laser complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Chrysler Laser.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT OUTBOARD TRACK FAILED,
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: 1C38A44D1FG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: HEARD A RATTLING SOUND FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHEVEVER HITTING A SMALL BUMP. THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN STEEL TUBE INSIDE OF REAR AXLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FAULTY FUEL REGULATOR HOSE FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE, AFTER RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED ON THE FAULTY FUEL REGULATOR HOSE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DUE TO A FAULTY REGULATOR HOSE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE AFTER FUEL REGULATOR RECALL REPAIR, CONSUMER BELIEVES FIRE MAY BE RELATED TO RECALL AS IT WAS REPORTED BY INVESTIGATORS THAT FIRE STARTED BETWEEN BACK OF ENGINE AND FIREWALL. (85V-010)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-30
- VIN: 1C3BA44E7FG
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WRONG WHEEL AND TIRE WAS PUT IN LUGGAGE SAVER AT FACTORY, WHEEL ONLY DESIGNED WITH FOUR LUG HOLES. *SKD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1C3BA54E9FG
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER DRIVING CAR WAS PARK AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT
1985 Chrysler Laser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1985 Chrysler Laser.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT
- Remedy: REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL HOSE ROUTED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE REGULATOR MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED HOSE CLAMP. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE FUEL HOSE COULD LEAK AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.
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