Plymouth Horizon 1985 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.
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Common Plymouth Horizon 1985 problems
The 1985 Plymouth Horizon is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from mechanical and engine concerns to interior and exterior issues.
- Door Handles and Freezing Doors: The outer door handles on the 1985 Plymouth Horizon are known to break off, especially in cold weather when the doors may freeze shut. This can be an inconvenience for owners and may require replacement of the door handles or repairs to the door locking mechanism.
- Interior and Exterior Quality: Although the interior and exterior of the 1985 Plymouth Horizon were considered to be of better quality than some of its competitors in the 1980s, some owners have reported issues with the interior materials wearing out or becoming damaged over time. This can include issues with the dashboard, seats, and carpeting.
- Safety Concerns: The 1985 Plymouth Horizon was not known for being the safest car in its class, and some owners have reported concerns with the car's safety features. For example, the car did not come with a front airbag until the 1990s, which may be a concern for some buyers.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Like any car, the 1985 Plymouth Horizon requires regular maintenance and repairs to keep it running smoothly. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, brakes, and other mechanical components. These issues may require professional repairs or replacement of parts.
In summary, the 1985 Plymouth Horizon has several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues include engine and transmission problems, issues with the door handles and freezing doors, concerns with the interior and exterior quality, safety concerns, and maintenance and repair needs. While these issues may be concerning for some buyers, many owners have reported that the car is still a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive, especially with proper maintenance and repairs.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni have?
Built just for model years 1984 through 1986, the Omni GLH packed a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 146 horsepower, which made for good performance given that the car weighed 2,200lbs.
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.
Plymouth Horizon 1985 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:
- Wheels problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Plymouth Horizon 1985 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Plymouth Horizon 1985 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Horizon 1985.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR LIFTGATE FAILS TO SUPPORT ITSELF IN UP POSITION. LIFTGATE HAS STRUCK OCCUPANTS IN HEAD. TT
Plymouth Horizon 1985 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Plymouth Horizon 1985.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
- Remedy: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
- Summary: AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COASTING, OR TURNING.
- Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Plymouth Horizon 1985 problems:
1985 Plymouth Horizon: Regular Car Reviews - YouTube
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 ...
Q&A: 1985 Plymouth Reliant Wiring Diagram - Expert Answers
Feb 10, 2009 ... One of your experts "Brad" solved this same problem for "anarky" on 8/25/08 at 7:44 pm for a 1987 Dodge Horizon, and gave him a link for the ...
NO SPARK, NO START, NO PROBLEM! IGNITION SYSTEMS ...
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.
just bought this for 800, what are some common issues with this ...
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 ...
1989 Plymouth Horizon Build | Turbo Dodge Forums
Feb 27, 2011 ... I was thinking about a TI or TII engine swap out of a donor car if i can find one. The transmission may also prove to be a problem as it is a 5 ...
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