1988 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.
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Common 1988 Plymouth Horizon problems
The 1988 Plymouth Horizon, like many cars of its era, has a few common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the engine's fuel system. Some owners have reported that their Horizons tend to run rich and sometimes run rough, even after replacing essential components like plugs, wires, fuel, and air filters. This could indicate a problem with the engine's carburetor or fuel injection system, which may require further diagnosis and repair.
Another common problem with the 1988 Plymouth Horizon is related to the carburetor, particularly in older models that have been sitting for an extended period. For instance, an owner of an '87 Horizon reported that the car would stall out due to sitting for a number of years, and even after replacing the carburetor, the vehicle still had issues with stalling, particularly at low idle and during turns at high speeds. This could be due to a variety of factors, including fuel/carburetor issues, vacuum problems, or even issues with the distributor hall effect pickup.
The 1988 Plymouth Horizon's fuel system can also cause starting problems. For example, one owner reported that their Horizon would not stay running after being filled with gas and driven all day. The car would start and then quit, requiring the driver to flick the gas pedal to force it to run, albeit with no power. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with the fuel pump relay, the decelerate fuel cut-off relay, or even the fuel pump itself.
Finally, some owners of the 1988 Plymouth Horizon have reported issues with the throttle body injection system. One owner reported that their Horizon would jerk and behave as if it were not getting enough fuel, despite passing a fuel pressure test. This could indicate a problem with the throttle body injection system itself, which may require further diagnosis and repair.
In summary, the 1988 Plymouth Horizon has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are primarily related to the engine's fuel system, including problems with the carburetor, fuel injection system, and throttle body injection system. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with starting and stalling, particularly in older models that have been sitting for an extended period. These issues can be frustrating for owners, but with proper diagnosis and repair, many of these problems can be resolved.
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 is the sister car of the Plymouth Horizon?
Dodge Omni
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.
Were the Dodge Omni and the Plymouth Horizon the same car?
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.
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 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.
What kind of 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.
1988 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Plymouth Horizon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Plymouth Horizon complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Plymouth Horizon.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON HORIAONS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BM18D8JY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MISSING FORWARD PIVOT BOLT MOUNT, NOT ASSEMBLED BY MANUFACTURER.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-16
- VIN: 1P3BM18D8JY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: IDLE SPEED SENSOR DEFECTIVE. *SD
1988 Plymouth Horizon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Plymouth Horizon.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL HORN PADS DO NOT CONTAIN THE HORN SYMBOL DISPLAY AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 101.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 101, CONTROLS ANDDISPLAYS.
- Remedy: SEND NOTIFICATION POSTCARD TO OWNERS TO ASSIST ANY FUTURE OWNERS WHO MIGHT BE UNSURE OF HORN LOCATION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Plymouth Horizon problems:
1988 Plymouth Horizon Reviews, Page 2 of 3 - Carsurvey.org
Worn brake pads- replaced spring 2004. A lot of body rust and worn paint. The hatch doesn't close because of some damage to the rear end, but doesn't stay open ...
Please Need Help 1988 plymouth horizon throttle body injection ...
Feb 11, 2014 ... These vehicles use a fuel pump relay and a pesky decelerate fuel cut-off relay that can cause problems when they malfunction. Rod-Knox ...
1988 Other Plymouth Horizon - $1000 OBO | Turbo Dodge Forums
Apr 24, 2010 ... 1988 Plymouth Horizon for sale. 2.2L/Auto, 77K original miles, NO rust. Car is complete and is very nice, especially considering it's 22 years ...
just bought this for 800, what are some common issues with this ...
Mar 14, 2023 ... Last car I had with bad electrical problems was a 78 Plymouth Horizon ... Common issue is CANT GET THESE ANYWHERE! ... Second was a 1988 that just ...
'87 Plymouth Horizon Low Idle Stall | Allpar Forums
Mar 26, 2022 ... I'm not sure. Any information regarding carb Horizons and their known issues is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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