1990 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 1990 Plymouth Horizon problems
The 1990 Plymouth Horizon, a car that was produced until the end of the Chrysler K platform, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most common issues is an intermittent rough idle, which was experienced by the author of a Junkyard Find article. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty or malfunctioning throttle body, faulty spark plugs, or a vacuum leak.
Another common issue with the 1990 Plymouth Horizon is a bog on acceleration when the car is cold. This problem is also mentioned in the Junkyard Find article and is often caused by a fuel delivery issue or a problem with the ignition system. This can be caused by a dirty fuel injector, a clogged fuel filter, or a weak ignition coil.
The 1990 Plymouth Horizon is also known for rust issues, particularly on the rear hatch. This problem is mentioned in the Junkyard Find article and is a common issue with cars that are driven in areas where road salt is used during the winter months. This can lead to corrosion of the metal and eventually cause the rear hatch to rust through.
Another common problem with the 1990 Plymouth Horizon is that it can be difficult to start. The most common reasons for this problem include a dead battery, an alternator problem, or a failed starter. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including a worn-out battery, a faulty alternator, or a damaged starter motor.
In some cases, the 1990 Plymouth Horizon may also experience transmission problems. For example, a 1990 Plymouth Horizon with a manual transmission may slip or have difficulty shifting gears. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch components, or a damaged transmission.
It is also important to note that the 1990 Plymouth Horizon was equipped with an airbag as standard equipment. While this is not a problem per se, it is worth mentioning as it is an unusual feature for a car of this era and may require special attention when working on the car.
In summary, the 1990 Plymouth Horizon is known for several common problems, including an intermittent rough idle, a bog on acceleration when cold, rust issues, difficulty starting, and transmission problems. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors and may require specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair.
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 was similar to the Plymouth Horizon?
It was an interesting choice for Chrysler to use VW power plants on a car obviously designed to emulate the success of the rabbit. Even The Styling and overall dimensions were similar d78 Omni and
Why was Plymouth discontinued?
Plymouth (1928-2001): Once a well-known brand under the Chrysler umbrella, Plymouth was discontinued due to overlapping models and declining sales. Oldsmobile (1897-2004): Established in 1897, Oldsmobile faced declining sales and was eventually phased out by General Motors to streamline its brand portfolio.
Why did Plymouth cars fail?
Final years: 1990s–2001
By the 1990s, Plymouth had lost much of its identity, as its models continued to overlap in features and prices with its sister brands, Dodge and Eagle. Chrysler attempted to remedy this by repositioning Plymouth to its traditional target market as the automaker's entry-level brand.
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.
Is Plymouth owned by Dodge?
Dodge and Plymouth have made the same cars for years. They are the same company, (DaimlerChrysler), different 'brands'. Cars like the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Sundance were the same body style with different accessory packages.
1990 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:
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Plymouth Horizon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Plymouth Horizon complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Plymouth Horizon.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-01
- VIN: 1P3XL18D4LC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WELDING ON STRUT HOUSING SEPARATED, HOOD DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASE TIRE FROM SEARS ITS A MICHELIN TIRE WAS DRIVING AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT DROVE INTO A GAS STATION TO PUT AIR IN TIRE IT BLEW OUT AGAIN . TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-24
- VIN: 1P3XL18D4LC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLE INOPERATIVE, DUE TO PUSH BUTTON BECOMING BRITTLE AND PIECES HAVE FALLEN INSIDE. TT
1990 Plymouth Horizon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
Negative 1990 Plymouth Horizon car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Plymouth Horizon problems:
Help with Horizon Carb Conversion. | Turbo Dodge Forums
Oct 9, 2021 ... Thanks in advance for any help. I have had my 1990 Plymouth Horizon TBI 5 speed for a little over a year now. When it starts, it runs great ...
'87 Plymouth Horizon Low Idle Stall | Allpar Forums
Mar 26, 2022 ... Any information regarding carb Horizons and their known issues is greatly appreciated. ... L bodies did not get air bags until 1990 ... We ran into ...
1988 Other Plymouth Horizon - $1000 OBO | Turbo Dodge Forums
Apr 24, 2010 ... Category: Domestic Status: Clean Title I have a 1990 Other plymouth Horizon for sale, in USA - Washington. Mileage: 115,000 km Engine Size: 2.2 ...
1986 Plymouth Horizon....Opinions. | For C Bodies Only Classic ...
May 2, 2019 ... Some issues with engine oil leaks, but there were also ... Last year for the Horizon/Omni was 1990. ... Had no problems other than that. Had a 81 ...
Plymouth Problems and Complaints - 169 Issues
Find the most common issues ... Plymouth Horizon problems. (0). View all. Popular Models: 1990 · Plymouth Laser problems. (0). View all. Popular Models: 1990, ...
Other years of Plymouth Horizon
Are you having problems with your 1990 Plymouth Horizon?
Leopold Abernathy 2024-08-22
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
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!