1989 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 1989 Plymouth Horizon problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 Plymouth Horizon, common problems reported include:
- Hesitation When First Increasing Gas: Another prevalent issue is hesitation when first increasing the gas pedal, occurring at all speeds and RPMs. This problem is accompanied by a slight vibration and rough idling. Despite various maintenance efforts like cleaning wires and using fuel injector cleaner, the problem persists, indicating a potential carbon buildup issue.
- Fuel Issues and Running Rich: Some owners have reported fuel-related problems, such as the engine running rich and occasionally rough. Even after replacing plugs, wires, fuel, and air filters, the issue persists. This has led some owners to consider a project car transformation, contemplating a turbocharger installation or an engine swap to address the fuel issue and enhance performance.
- Recalls: The 1989 Plymouth Horizon has had two recalls issued by the NHTSA. These recalls address specific safety concerns, and owners are advised to check the details of these recalls to ensure the safety and proper functioning of their vehicles.
In summary, the 1989 Plymouth Horizon has been associated with engine performance issues like cutting out, chugging, hesitation, and running rich. These problems can impact the driving experience and require thorough diagnosis and potentially specialized solutions to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.
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 years did Plymouth make the 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.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Omni have?
Specifications for Dodge Omni 2.2 94hp, 1989.
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 years did Plymouth make the 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 was the world's first engine vehicle?
Benz Patent Motor Car
On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The patent – number 37435 – may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile. In July 1886 the newspapers reported on the first public outing of the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car, model no. 1.
1989 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:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Plymouth Horizon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Plymouth Horizon complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Plymouth Horizon.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-20
- VIN: 1P3BL18D4KC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV JOINT CRACKED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-06-01
- VIN: 1P3BL18D8KY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
- VIN: 1P3BL18D7KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BROKEN TIE RODS, THE LEFT DRIVE AXLE HAS SEPARATED AT THE TRANSMISSION SIDE OF THE SHAFT. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
- VIN: 1P3BL18D7KC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BROKEN TIE RODS, THE LEFT DRIVE AXLE HAS SEPARATED AT THE TRANSMISSION SIDE OF THE SHAFT. TT
1989 Plymouth Horizon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
- Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Plymouth Horizon problems:
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 ...
'87 Plymouth Horizon Low Idle Stall | Allpar Forums
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1988 Other Plymouth Horizon - $1000 OBO | Turbo Dodge Forums
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Mar 28, 2012 ... ... Plymouth Horizon/Talbot Horizon triplets. ... engine, we had only a few relatively minor problems. ... The Maserati-head was only offered on the ...
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