1994 Plymouth Duster problems

General information about Plymouth-Duster
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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 1994 Plymouth Duster problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources, here are some common problems reported by owners of the Plymouth Duster 1994:

Overheating and Head Gasket Issues: Owners have experienced overheating leading to blown head gaskets, necessitating engine repairs and replacements. This can be a significant concern affecting the car's performance and reliability.
Transmission Problems: Complaints include issues with the transmission, such as the need for transmission replacement or repairs. This can result in the car not being driveable until the transmission is fixed.
Suspension and Handling: Some owners have reported poor handling, which could be linked to suspension issues. This can impact the car's stability and safety while driving.
Rust: Rust problems have been noted, particularly on the bottom door seams and rear suspension components. Rust can lead to structural weaknesses and affect the overall appearance and longevity of the vehicle.
Oil Leaks: Oil leaks, especially from the valve cover and transmission casing, have been mentioned. These leaks can result in engine damage, reduced performance, and the need for frequent maintenance.
Electrical Issues: Complaints about electrical problems, such as issues with the wiring, lights, or other electrical components, have been reported. Electrical issues can cause malfunctions and safety hazards.
Cooling System Concerns: Some owners have faced cooling system problems, including issues with the water pump, thermostat, and radiator. A malfunctioning cooling system can lead to engine overheating and potential damage.
General Wear and Tear: Owners have highlighted general wear and tear issues, indicating the need for regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure the car's longevity and performance.

These reported problems indicate a range of issues that Plymouth Duster 1994 owners have faced, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to keep the vehicle in optimal condition.

1994 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
Electrical system problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Plymouth Duster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Plymouth Duster complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Plymouth Duster.

1999-09-13

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-09-06
VIN: 193EJ46CXVN
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE HEAD GASKET OVERHEATED. ALSO CONSUMER 'S CAR FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE THE CARBON MONOXIDE THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *AK

Add Complaint

1999-09-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-07-03
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WIRE ON BACK OF HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT OPERABLE. *AK

Add Complaint

1997-07-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Number Of Deaths: 1
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
VIN: 1P3BM44C2SD
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: IN AN ACCIDENT THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE ON HOT MANIFOLD, THE DRIVER WAS TRAPPED AND DIED WHILE YELLING FOR HELP. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-08-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-08-17
VIN: 1P3AP6433RN
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: PURCHASED CAR USED, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK

Add Complaint

1995-10-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: POOR GAS MILEAGE.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Plymouth Duster problems:

Common Dodge Shadow, Plymouth Sundance, and Duster Repairs

https://www.allpar.com/d3/model/p/PProbs.html

Common Dodge Shadow, Plymouth Sundance, and Duster Repairs ... Recall: 1991-1994 two-door P-cars (Shadow/Sundance). ... Other problems: see the FAQ or our repairs ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1993 Plymouth Sundance Duster ECM and ...

https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/20xlk-1993-plymouth-sundance-duster-2-5l-k-engine.html

Apr 22, 2009 ... Are there any diagrams specific to the ignition systems or is there an easier way to find the problem?

1994 Plymouth Sundance--No Start--Solved | Allpar Forums

https://www.allpar.com/threads/1994-plymouth-sundance-no-start-solved.160854/

May 22, 2015 ... Now onto my problem and solution. I recently encountered a no start on my Sundance while I was driving, the car just quit. I was able to restart ...

90 lebaron shift problem | Turbo Dodge Forums

https://www.turbododge.com/threads/90-lebaron-shift-problem.317379/

Nov 10, 2009 ... These are the common problems my Son has with his 94 Sundance Duster 3.0L. ... 94 Chrysler LeBaron Convertable GTC 92 Plymouth Voyager LE 94 ...

1994 Plymouth Sundance/Dodge Shadow shifting problems | Allpar ...

https://www.allpar.com/threads/1994-plymouth-sundance-dodge-shadow-shifting-problems.218379/

Feb 21, 2019 ... I just bought a 1994 Plymouth Sundance duster with a 3.0 and a manual transmission. It shifts into 1-4 and reverse just fine but no 5th gear ...