1980 Plymouth Horizon problems

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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.

1980 Plymouth Horizon

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Common 1980 Plymouth Horizon problems

The 1980 Plymouth Horizon, also known as the Omnirizon, was a car produced by Chrysler during a time when fuel efficiency and basic features were the focus of many car manufacturers due to the oil crisis. While the Horizon was praised for its fuel efficiency, getting up to 54mpg in the manual version, it was criticized for its lackluster features and performance.

One of the most significant issues with the Horizon was its engine. The car was equipped with a tiny 1.7l VW unit with just 70hp, which resulted in a 0-60 time of 16 seconds. This underpowered engine was a common complaint among Horizon owners, who found it lacking in performance and acceleration.

Another issue with the Horizon was its build quality. While the car had radial tires and dent-resistant bumpers, its other features were underwhelming. The interior, while in better condition than the exterior, still needed a new headliner, which would need to be custom-made. The air conditioning also didn't work, although it probably just needed a regas.

Rust was another common problem with the Horizon. While the car in the search results only had some rust marks on the body at the bottom of the door and the top of the fender, if left untreated, it could lead to more significant issues and the need for replacement panels. Given how rare the car is, finding replacement panels would likely be difficult.

The Horizon's design was also a point of contention among owners. While the car was based on a Euro-spec chassis from Chrysler Europe and the Rootes Group, its styling was underwhelming, and it didn't stand out against other cars of the era. Its sales brochure boasted about the 'radial tires', the 'dent-resistant front, and rear bumpers', and a 'fold-down rear seat', but these features did little to make the car stand out.

In conclusion, while the 1980 Plymouth Horizon was praised for its fuel efficiency, it was criticized for its lackluster features, underpowered engine, build quality, and design. These issues were common complaints among Horizon owners and contributed to the car's poor reputation.

1980 Plymouth Horizon engine

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?

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.

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.

What was the Talbot Horizon in the 80s?

The Talbot Horizon is a compact hatchback that was designed by Chrysler Europe and was produced from 1978 to 1987 under the Simca, Chrysler and Talbot nameplates. The successor to both the Simca 1100 and Hillman Avenger, the Horizon adopted a front-wheel drive, transverse-engine layout.

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?

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.

What car is a horizon?

The Talbot Horizon is a compact hatchback that was designed by Chrysler Europe and was produced from 1978 to 1987 under the Simca, Chrysler and Talbot nameplates. The successor to both the Simca 1100 and Hillman Avenger, the Horizon adopted a front-wheel drive, transverse-engine layout.

Was Plymouth made 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. It became a high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s.

1980 Plymouth Horizon car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Horizon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Plymouth Horizon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1980 Plymouth Horizon complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Plymouth Horizon.

1999-07-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH CARBURETOR, REBUILT UNITS BY MOPAR WERE DEFECTIVE. MJS

1980 Plymouth Horizon recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1980 Plymouth Horizon.

1982-01-28
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
  • Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS TO THE CONTROL ARMS MAY FAIL DUE TO A BOLT SECTION CRACK CONDITION. THE BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ARM POSSIBLY AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINT TO CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
1980-10-21
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LINE HOSES INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE FABRICATED FROM A DEFECTIVE RUBBER COMPOUND. WHEN SUBJECTED TO CONTINUOUS HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES, THESE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY AND VAPOR RETURN HOSES WITH A TYPE CONSTRUCTED OF HIGH TEMPERATURE-RESISTANT MATERIAL.
1980-10-17
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
  • Summary: THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE SUBJECT TO BINDING DUE TO VARIATIONS IN THE LATCH AND ITS MOUNTING BASE ASSEMBLY. A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR IF THE PRIMARY LATCH BECAME INOPERATIVE OR WAS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SYSTEM AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST IT AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1980 Plymouth Horizon problems:

1985 Plymouth Horizon: Regular Car Reviews - YouTube
1985 Plymouth Horizon: Regular Car Reviews - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF2lRNqd-LI

Nov 7, 2016 ... Thanks to Carlisle Events, Bill Miller and Mike Garland (PR Guy) we were able to review a Plymouth Horizon / Dodge Omni and it only has 26 ...

'87 Plymouth Horizon Low Idle Stall | Allpar Forums
'87 Plymouth Horizon Low Idle Stall | Allpar Forums
https://www.allpar.com/threads/87-plymouth-horizon-low-idle-stall.240833/

Mar 26, 2022 ... I'm not sure. Any information regarding carb Horizons and their known issues is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

NO SPARK, NO START, NO PROBLEM! IGNITION SYSTEMS ...
NO SPARK, NO START, NO PROBLEM! IGNITION SYSTEMS ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMdFTPyOJEw

May 13, 2016 ... ENGINE CRANKS BUT DON'T START? DON'T WORRY! ERIK THE WRENCH IS HERE, WE TEST FOR FUEL, TEST THE COIL AND DISTRIBUTOR / IGNITION.

MM Retro Write-Up: 1976-1980 Plymouth Volare/Dodge Aspen ...
MM Retro Write-Up: 1976-1980 Plymouth Volare/Dodge Aspen ...
https://lexusenthusiast.com/forums/threads/mm-retro-write-up-1976-1980-plymouth-volare-dodge-aspen.6178/

Nov 28, 2020 ... ... common problem in these cars...defective ... Horizon/Dodge Omni subcompacts, with VW-sourced ... The Chrysler transmission, though extremely ...

just bought this for 800, what are some common issues with this ...
just bought this for 800, what are some common issues with this ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/11qsluw/just_bought_this_for_800_what_are_some_common/

Mar 14, 2023 ... ... problems, and we kept them for many years. Last car I had with bad electrical problems was a 78 Plymouth Horizon, which I had bought used ...

Other years of Plymouth Horizon

plymouth horizon 1984 photo
Horizon 1984
Plymouth

2

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
plymouth horizon 1985 photo
Horizon 1985
Plymouth

2

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
plymouth horizon 1986 photo
Horizon 1986
Plymouth

2

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
plymouth horizon 1987 photo
Horizon 1987
Plymouth

9

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
plymouth horizon 1988 photo
Horizon 1988
Plymouth

3

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
plymouth horizon 1989 photo
Horizon 1989
Plymouth

4

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1980 Plymouth Horizon photo