Plymouth Horizon problems
The Dodge Omni and the nearly identical badge engineered variant, the Plymouth Horizon, is a subcompact car manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Corporation for model years 1978-1990. The first Chrysler model line produced with front-wheel drive, the Omni and Horizon were also the first front-wheel drive economy cars assembled in the United States. Marketed for eleven years with very few changes, around 2,500,000 Omnis and Horizons were manufactured, with the Plymouth variants more popular than the Dodge-branded models.
The first (and only) world car designed by Chrysler, the model line originated from a design of Chrysler Europe (who developed the namesake Chrysler Horizon). While visually similar, the American Omni/Horizon would have extensive functional differences from its European counterpart, primarily to accommodate US marketing and regulatory requirements.
From 1977 to 1990, Chrysler manufactured the Omni and Horizon at its Belvidere Assembly Plant facility (Belvidere, Illinois); from 1987 to 1989, the model line was manufactured under contract by American Motors Corporation (AMC) at its own facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From 1987 to 1990, the model line was marketed alongside its successor, the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance hatchback sedan.
Social links
Plymouth Horizon model years
Common Plymouth Horizon problems
Plymouth Horizon cars, produced in the late 1970s to early 1990s, are known for several common problems based on complaints from their owners. These issues include:
- Electrical issues: Owners of Plymouth Horizon cars have reported various electrical problems, such as malfunctioning taillights, horns, and dashboard lights. These issues are often caused by wiring or fuse problems, which can be difficult to diagnose and repair.
- Engine oil leaks: Some Plymouth Horizon cars, particularly those with higher mileage, may experience engine oil leaks. These leaks can be caused by worn-out gaskets, seals, or other engine components. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts can help prevent engine oil leaks.
- Carburetor problems: Plymouth Horizon cars with carburetors may experience issues with the gasket between the carburetor and the intake manifold deteriorating, leading to air being sucked in and causing an uneven or high idle. This issue can be resolved by checking and replacing the gasket and adjusting the high idle setting on the carburetor.
- Transmission issues: Plymouth Horizon cars with the A413 transmission may experience problems with the clutches or debris clogging the transmission, causing issues when shifting gears. These problems can be particularly challenging for laymen to diagnose and repair, and may require professional assistance.
In summary, Plymouth Horizon cars are known for several common problems, including rust, electrical issues, engine oil leaks, carburetor problems, and transmission issues. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or address these problems, ensuring the car remains safe and reliable to drive.
Who made the engine in a Plymouth Horizon?
Volkswagen
Their 1980 Horizon came from the early run of the Omni-Horizon twins, before Chrysler even had its own four-cylinder engine for it. As a result, Volkswagen provided the engine–Rabbit engines punched out to 1.7 liters–and four-speed transmissions.
What year did they stop making the Plymouth Horizon?
1990
Dodge Omni
| Dodge Omni & Plymouth Horizon | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation American Motors (1985–1987) |
| Also called | Plymouth Horizon Plymouth Expo (Canada) |
| Production | December 5, 1977 – February 2, 1990 |
| Model years | 1978–1990 |
What was the first year of the Plymouth Horizon?
1978
Based on a French design, but built in America.
Was Plymouth owned by Ford?
Plymouth was a brand of automobiles produced by Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler. The brand was launched in 1928 to compete in what was then described as the "low-priced" market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Plymouth Horizon years
We have researched Plymouth problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Plymouth Horizon cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Plymouth Horizon model years:
- Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Plymouth Horizon 1989
- Plymouth Horizon 1988
- Plymouth Horizon 1990
- Plymouth Horizon 1984
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Plymouth Horizon model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Plymouth Horizon years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Plymouth Horizon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Plymouth Horizon , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Plymouth Horizon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Horizon model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Horizon model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Horizon . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Plymouth Horizon vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Plymouth Horizon 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2007-07-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3BM18C5ED
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD AFTER VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. SMOKE THEN TURNED DARK BLACK AND FIRE CAME OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD. EXTINGUISHED FLAMES WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHED R. MUCH CLEAN UP WAS NEEDED FROM EXTINGUISHER . APPROXIMATELY $250.00 WORTH OF PARTS NEEDED NOT TO MENTION 8 HOURS LABOR BECAUSE OF FAULTY FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM. CALLED CHRYSLER LOOKING FOR THE PARTS THAT WERE NEEDED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND THEY NO LONGER MADE THE PARTS, AND REPLIED BY SAYING THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, SORRY FOR YOUR MISFORTUNE.*AK
Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-09-02
- VIN: 1P3BM18C2HD
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TOP TREAD OF TIRE , FROM SIDEWALL TO SIDEWALL WAS COMPLETELY TORN OFF. METAL CASING IS SHOWING AROUND THE WHOLE TIRE WHERE THE TREAD USE TO BE.*AK
Plymouth Horizon 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-03
- VIN: 1P3BM48C9GD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER NEW CARB WAS PUT ON CAR STILL HAS VERY ROUGH IDLE AND STALLS.TOOK IT TO 5 REPAIR SHOPS THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S IDLE.HAD EXHAUST REPLACED TOO BUT CAR IS STILL LOUD.
Plymouth Horizon 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-03
- VIN: 1P3BM48C9GD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER NEW CARB WAS PUT ON CAR STILL HAS VERY ROUGH IDLE AND STALLS.TOOK IT TO 5 REPAIR SHOPS THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S IDLE.HAD EXHAUST REPLACED TOO BUT CAR IS STILL LOUD.
Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-04
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-07
- VIN: 1P3BM18C9HD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER'S OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE IS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME. ALSO, REAR DOOR, BEHIND THE PASSENGER, WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY IT WILL BE DANGEROUS. DEALER HAS MADE REPAIRS. *AK *ML
Plymouth Horizon 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-16
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH CARBURETOR, REBUILT UNITS BY MOPAR WERE DEFECTIVE. MJS
Plymouth Horizon 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-06-29
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEELS FELL OFF FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF VEHICLE TWICE IN LESS THAN A MONTH DUE TO THE STUDS SHEARING OFF. AS CONSUMER DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WHEELS FELL OFF, MAKING OBLONG HOLES IN THE WHEELS THEMSELVES. THE SECOND TIME WHEN THE WHEELS FELL OFF, VEHICLE SLID ACROSS HIGHWAY. *AK
Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-16
- Date Complaint: 1999-06-17
- VIN: 1P3BM18C6H0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE RUSTED CAUSING IT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE MOUNT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND LOSS TO CONTROL. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-10
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-17
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: TRANSMISSION/ AIR-CONDITIONER/ BRAKES/ PARKING BRAKE FAILED.
Plymouth Horizon 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-25
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON HORIAONS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
Plymouth Horizon 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-14
- VIN: 1P3BM18D8JY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MISSING FORWARD PIVOT BOLT MOUNT, NOT ASSEMBLED BY MANUFACTURER.
Plymouth Horizon 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-20
- Date Complaint: 1998-04-27
- VIN: 1P3BL18D4KC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV JOINT CRACKED.
Plymouth Horizon 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-01
- Date Complaint: 1998-01-21
- VIN: 1P3XL18D4LC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WELDING ON STRUT HOUSING SEPARATED, HOOD DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. *AK
Plymouth Horizon 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-02
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
Plymouth Horizon 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-14
- VIN: 1P3BL18D8KY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. NLM
Latest 5 recalls Plymouth Horizon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 22 recalls for different components of the Plymouth Horizon.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Plymouth Horizon 1988
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Horizon 1987
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Horizon 1986
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Horizon 1989
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Horizon 1985
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
Latest negative Plymouth Horizon car reviews
Are you having problems with your Plymouth Horizon?
Leopold Abernathy 2024-08-22
Vehicle year: 1990
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that this '90 model has 142000 miles on it and still runs great! Although I have had to replace a number of parts such as valve cover gaskets, the head gasket, engine and transmission bearings and seals, A/C compressor, half shaft, radio, radiator, headliner, and probably a few other things, I still really enjoy driving it. It handles well and responds nicely, and the best part is that it doesn't burn oil!
Cornelius Wehner 2024-03-08
Vehicle year: 1990
You beat a 1995 3.1 liter Grand Prix in a race once, congratulations! The car had a powerful engine for its time, but the clutch had an extremely long travel and the shifter was often reluctant to shift into first and reverse. However, it had great handling for an economy car and was incredible in bad weather. You even learned what sliding and hydroplaning were because of this car! Unfortunately, it was unreliable with a choke that would stick in cold weather, an alternator that failed at 70K, brakes that locked up permanently, and an exhaust system that was often problematic. On the bright side, it had good fuel economy, averaging 31mpg. Overall, it sounds like you had some fun times with this car despite its flaws!