1993 Plymouth Duster problems
The original Plymouth Duster is a semi-fastback two-door coupe version of the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant automobile that was marketed by Plymouth in the U.S. from 1970 to 1976 model years.
History
The Duster coupe provided the compact-sized Plymouth Valiant with a sporty body style to attract customers. The car was a $15 million effort to update the Valiant for the 1970 model year. The Valiant badge appeared only on the first model year Dusters, and continued to be used on all the companion 4-door sedan and 2-door Valiant Scamp hardtop models. The Duster was built on the Valiant platform and shared the same front end sheet metal, but featured a different design from the cowl back.
The Duster was also positioned to compete with Ford's slightly smaller semi-fastback Maverick compact car and the AMC Hornet that were both also introduced in 1970, and the slightly larger semi-fastback Chevrolet Nova whose design was introduced in 1968. While the Maverick, Hornet, and Nova were offered in a 4-door sedan body style, the Duster nameplate was used only for the 2-door coupe. The Duster was also marketed as an alternative to the original Volkswagen Beetle, as well as the new class of domestic subcompact cars such as the Chevrolet Vega.
Numerous trim and option package variants of the Duster were offered with names that included Feather Duster, Gold Duster, Silver Duster, Space Duster, Duster Twister, Duster 340, and Duster 360. These marketing variations of the basic Duster design targeted customers seeking economy, cargo capacity, and/or performance.
After failed negotiations with Warner Brothers for use of the Tasmanian Devil cartoon, the Duster's "twister" logo and font logo was created by Chrysler's Thomas Bertsch (1952–1987). Bertsch was the director of the interior styling and design studio for much of his career. Many corresponding graphics were used for different trim packages over the years.
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Common 1993 Plymouth Duster problems
The Plymouth Duster, introduced in 1970 and produced until 1994, was a popular compact car known for its handling and performance. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common issues with the 1993 Plymouth Duster is rust, particularly in the underside beneath the rocker panels, before the rear wheels on both sides, and in the spare tire well. Rust can lead to structural damage and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
Another issue reported by owners is related to the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe. Specifically, a weld has been known to break between the two, causing the pieces to slide together and requiring re-welding.
The fuel lines are also a concern, with owners recommending their replacement due to rust.
The foot-operated parking brake has been reported to hang down and activate the dash brake warning light, requiring the use of zip ties to keep it tied up.
The tachometer has been reported to work intermittently, with the low oil pressure light coming on for a few seconds and then going away.
The interior of the 1993 Plymouth Duster has been praised for its condition, with no significant wear, rips, or tears. However, the sun visors are out of the car to be re-covered, and the headliner has been replaced.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has had many items replaced over the years, including plug wires, distributor cap, coil, radiator hoses, thermostat, ignition control module, alternator, valve cover gaskets, front/rear brakes, rear shocks, trans fluid, fuel tank, battery, and tires.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have problems with the convertible's passenger-side mount, which is fluid-filled and only available through Mopar. The convertibles have a different passenger-side mount than other models, and this mount can be difficult to find.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the recliner mechanism bolt, which may break and result in the seat back reclining without warning.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the fuel pump, which can cause a loud buzzing noise from the rear, particularly when the rear seat is down.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the steering rack, which was redesigned in post-1992 models and can cause hissing from the steering.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the AC condensation tube, which can become blocked and cause water leakage inside the car.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the blower fan gasket, which can leak and require the use of strip caulk to repair.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the valve cover, which can cause oil seepage onto the spark plugs.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the transaxle vent, which can cause transmission fluid to leak.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the center console, which can cause rattling and require the use of window insulating foam tape to repair.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the speed sensor and wire that runs to the computer, which can cause the speedometer to stop working.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the cv joint and axle, which can cause a flapping noise at speeds of 30-35 mph and higher.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the sway bar bushings, which can cause creaking noises from the right or left side.
The 1993 Plymouth Duster has also been reported to have issues with the bottom door seams, which can rust and require repair.
In conclusion, the 1993 Plymouth Duster has a number of common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues include rust, problems with the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe, fuel lines, parking brake, tachometer, and various other components. While the 1993 Plymouth Duster is known for its handling and performance, it is important for owners to be aware of these common issues and take steps to address them as needed.
1993 Plymouth Duster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Duster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Plymouth Duster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Plymouth Duster complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Plymouth Duster.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP6433PN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEE THAN 50,000 MILES ON ENGINE
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP6836PN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BROKE DURING ACCIDENT. 526819 DUP 0F 532600; POSTED ON 09-07-1999. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP6836PN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING ACCIDENT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-20
- VIN: 1P3XP68K7PN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION (HEAD ON), SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR FAILED. DUP OF 532600. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP6437PN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MOTOR MOUNTS WAS REPLACED (15) MONTHS AGO WITH 43,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 57,000 MILES AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEED REPLACING AGAIN. THIS VEHICLE IS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-02
- VIN: 1P3XP6437PN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED FOUR TIMES. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP6437PN
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TORSION BAR SHATTERED; ALSO SERPENTINE BELT POPPED OFF AND ROUGH IDLE WHEN STARTING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3P3XP6837PT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HUSBAND DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE IN GLOVE COMPARTMENT, OPENED UP & NOTICED FLAMES, STOPPED VEHICLE, OPENED DOOR AND SAW REAL HEAVY & BLACK SMOKE, VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES, FIRE DEPT ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. WAS TOWED. INSURANCE CO. NOTIFIED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP643XPN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT AT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE TRAVELING 35MPH AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIRBAG. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-15
- VIN: 1P3XP6438PN
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AT AN INCLINE BETWEEN 30-35 MPH, A SEVERE FRONT END SHIMMY/VIBRATION IS EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES AND A SOLUTION HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-25
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF, THE RPMS WERE AT 4 AND TEMP GAUGE WENT TO HOT, THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD OVERRIDE, BUT UPON RELEASE OF PEDAL, VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ATONES .THIS OCCURRED WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-29
- VIN: 1P3BP46D35F
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Plymouth Duster problems:
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