1990 Plymouth Laser problems
The Plymouth Laser is a two-door 2+2 sports coupe sold by Plymouth from 1989 until 1994. The Laser and its siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, were the first vehicles produced under the newly formed Diamond-Star Motors, a joint-venture between the Chrysler Corporation and the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Overview
Introduced as "the first Plymouth of the '90s" in advertising, the Plymouth Laser debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model. The company produced a Chrysler Laser model from 1984 to 1986. The 2-door hatchback was based on the Dodge Daytona model prior to the name badge moving, to the Plymouth brand. Commercials for the 1990 Laser featured R&B singer Tina Turner who appeared in a series of 1990 promotional ads for Plymouth. With three available engines, two transmission offerings, and sporty "aero" styling, the Laser was the most performance-oriented Plymouth since the Barracuda, Duster, and Road Runner muscle cars of the 1970s.
Despite its close resemblance to its Mitsubishi and Eagle siblings, it has several unique styling cues intended to set it apart from the other two. Apart from badging, Lasers sport a race-inspired look, with a plastic panel in the place of a grille, a full rear light-bar, a bulge on the hood for 2.0 L engine models (not necessarily turbocharged), and available stylish "lace" patterned alloy wheels. Rallye Sport (RS), models are set apart from the base models by their black roof with body-colored targa band, power steering, lower bodyside accent striping, and dual power mirrors, as well as an array of options not available on base Lasers.
Base model Lasers carry a 92 hp (69 kW) 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, whereas a 135 hp (101 kW), 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder was optional with the Laser RS. The top-of-the-line RS Turbo came equipped with a 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 195 hp (145 kW). A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. A 4-speed automatic was optional, except with the turbocharged engine, which could only be ordered with the manual transmission until 1991 models debuted.
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Common 1990 Plymouth Laser problems
The 1990 Plymouth Laser is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Ignition System Problems: The ignition system in the 1990 Plymouth Laser is prone to failure, particularly in the ignition coils and spark plugs. These components can wear out over time, leading to a weak or intermittent spark, which can result in a rough idle, poor acceleration, and difficulty starting the engine. In addition, the distributor cap and rotor can also fail, causing the engine to misfire or run poorly.
- Fuel System Issues: The fuel system in the 1990 Plymouth Laser can also cause problems, particularly in the fuel injectors and fuel pump. The fuel injectors can become clogged or dirty, which can result in a rough idle, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. The fuel pump can also fail, leading to a lack of power and difficulty starting the engine. In addition, the fuel pressure regulator can fail, causing the engine to run poorly or stall.
- Suspension and Steering Problems: The suspension and steering systems in the 1990 Plymouth Laser can also cause issues, particularly in the front struts and tie rods. The front struts can wear out over time, leading to a rough ride and poor handling. The tie rods can also become worn or damaged, causing the steering to feel loose or unresponsive. In addition, the power steering pump can fail, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel.
- Electrical System Issues: The electrical system in the 1990 Plymouth Laser can also cause problems, particularly in the alternator and battery. The alternator can fail, leading to a dead battery and difficulty starting the engine. The battery can also fail, particularly in cold weather, leading to a lack of power and difficulty starting the engine. In addition, the wiring and connectors can become corroded or damaged, causing intermittent electrical issues.
In summary, the 1990 Plymouth Laser is known for several common problems, including Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure, ignition system problems, fuel system issues, suspension and steering problems, and electrical system issues. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, corrosion, and faulty components, and they can result in a range of symptoms, including a rough idle, poor acceleration, difficulty starting the engine, and poor handling.
What engine does a 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
Used 1990 Plymouth Laser - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 92 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
How fast is the Plymouth Laser?
Several enthusiast magazines have tested the Laser and have clocked acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds or less. That's fast – brutally fast. Power is, for the most part, smooth and consistent all the way to about 6,500 rpm.
How many Plymouth lasers were made?
The automatic became optional on all-wheel drive RS models for 1993, and the model soldiered on unchanged in its final year for 1994. In total for those five years on the market, Plymouth shifted over 115,000 Lasers.
How much is a 1994 Plymouth Laser?
$43/Month* *Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $2,051 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $0 down for well-qualified buyers.
What engine does a 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
Used 1990 Plymouth Laser - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 92 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
How fast is the Plymouth Laser?
Several enthusiast magazines have tested the Laser and have clocked acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds or less. That's fast – brutally fast. Power is, for the most part, smooth and consistent all the way to about 6,500 rpm.
What was the last year Plymouth Laser?
1994
Due to these factors, the Laser was discontinued after a brief run of 1994 models. This failure of badge-engineering was just a preview of what would happen to the whole Plymouth marque in subsequent years. The Laser's discontinuation coincided with the introduction of its successor, the 1995 Plymouth Neon.
How much is a 1994 Plymouth Laser?
$43/Month* *Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $2,051 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $0 down for well-qualified buyers.
1990 Plymouth Laser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Laser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Plymouth Laser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Plymouth Laser
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Plymouth Laser. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Plymouth Laser vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4P3CS44TOLE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN OVERHEATED, OIL DISPERSED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-24
- VIN: 4P3CS44R3LE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT BROKE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. NLM *YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-28
- VIN: 4P3CS34T0LE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT STAYS IN FORWARD POSITION MOST TIMES. WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING, THERE IS NOR RESTRAINT.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-13
- VIN: 4PECS44U6L3
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT CUT OFF. COMPLETE POWER SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AT A 65 MILES/ HOUR ZONE, INCLUDING STEERING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ALMOST RESULTING IN THE INJURY AND DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS ON HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING ALTHOUGH BELT WAS CHANGED AT DEALERSHIP 35,000 MILES AGO. MANUFACTURER SUGGESTS CHANGING TIMING BELT EVERY 60,000 MILES OR MORE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-24
- VIN: 4P3CS44U7LE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CRACKS DEVELOPED IN TIRE AFTER ONLY 6000 MILES OF USE AND DEALER WOULD NOT REFUND FOR FAULTY PRODUCT.( DOT NUMBER: E4 027269 TIRE SIZE: 205/55 R16 )
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-05
- VIN: 4P3CS44R8LE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY MENTIONED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-31
- VIN: 4P3CS34T3LE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL 95V103.003/ACTIVE RESTRAINTS BELT BUCKELES: RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED AND CONSUMER BEEN TRYING TO GET DEALER TO HONOR IT SINCE DEC/1998. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-01
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-11
- VIN: 4P3CS44R8LE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE AND TIMING BELT FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE STOPPED, UPON SERVICE DEALER FOUND 4 BROKEN VALVES, ONE OF WHICH WAS LODGED INTO HEAD, HOLES IN 1 PISTON, SCARRED CYLINDER BLOCK. *ET
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE MADE LOUD NOISES DUE TO A CRACK IN ENGINE MANIFOLD. DEALER HAS REPAIREDVEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-11-01
- VIN: 4P3CS34T8LE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS MORE THEN ONCE. REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WINDOW I WAS TOLD BY A BODY SHOP MAN THAT A PEICE WAS BROKEN INSIDE THE DOOR ASSEMBLY I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT 200 MILES PAS THE 12,000 MILE WARRANTY THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT. THE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP WHEN ITS DOWN. REGARDING THE DEFROSTING SYSTEMS AND AIR CONDITIONER THE COIL IN THE FRONT ROTTED OUT AND NOW THE AIR DOESNT WORK ALSO THE DEFROSTER DOESNT DEFROST THE WINDOWS VERY WELL AND THE REAR DEFROSTER THE PIECE FELL OFF.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-02
- VIN: 4P3CS34TOLE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD LAMP DOORS DO NOT GO UP WHEN YOU SELECT LIGHTS ON..ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN THEY ARE UP AND ON THEY DO NOT GO DOWN, WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-07
- VIN: 4P3CS44U0LE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-07
- VIN: 4P3CS44U91E
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: METAL FATIGUE OF THE FRONT SUBFRAME RESULTED IN LIMITED ABILITY TO CONTROL VEHICLE DIRECTION AND NO POWER. *ET
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-21
- VIN: 4P3CS44R1LE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS IN WHICH THE 3POINT SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE SEATB ELT HOUSING, MAKES THE SEAT BELTS INOPERABLE IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-11-25
- VIN: 4P3CS44ROLE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE CROSSMEMBER FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-05
- VIN: 4P3CS44R0LE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HATCHBACK LIFTER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-04
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT SHREADED WHILE GOING 20 MPH WHICH CREATED ENGINE INTERFERENCE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
- VIN: 4T3C544R5LE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE: MOTOR ON CAR EATS TIMING BELT ON VEHICLE. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND VEHICLE STOPPED ,LOSS OF ALL POWER. TIMING BELT HAD 30,000 MILES. THERE WAS A NATIONAL RECALL IN 1993, HAD NEW ENGINE AND TIMING BELT PUT ON. THE PROBLEM IS STILL AN EXISTING ONE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4P3CS44U6LE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: LEFT POPUP HEADLIGHT FAILS ABOUT 60% OF TIME TO POP UP. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-16
- VIN: 4P3CS44U9LE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRACKED CROSSMEMBER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PERFORM ERRATICALLY/DIFFICULT TO TURN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 4P3CS44T4LE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S RED PLASTIC RECEIVER ON BELT BUCKLE CRACKED, ALSO REAR SEAT BUCKLES FAIL TO LATCH.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-05-20
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN MAKING A LEFT TRUN THE VEHICLE STALLS/HESITATES/AND STUMBLES. **AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4P3CS44R9LE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: UNDER HEADLIGHT, WIRING HARNESS "POP UPS" HAS WORN OUT, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE IN AREA BEHIND HEADLIGHTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1990 Plymouth Laser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 Plymouth Laser.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
- Summary: DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
- Consequence: WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.
- Remedy: REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
- Summary: OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
- Consequence: THE SUNROOF GLASS COULD DETACH FROM THE ROOF AND RESULTIN INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR PERSONS IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
- Remedy: REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.
- Manufacturer: DIAMOND-STAR MOTORS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.
- Consequence: BREAKAGE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSES LOSS OFHEADLAMP ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD HAVE A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS ROUTING WILL BE MODIFIED AND DAMAGED WIRES REPAIRED.
Negative 1990 Plymouth Laser car reviews
Positive 1990 Plymouth Laser car reviews
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This car has been great mechanically! The only issue I've had is with the popup headlamps, which can sometimes fail to work. But with the Turbo, it's an absolute blast to drive!
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I bought my '90 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo last spring. This is my third DSM vehicle and my first turbo machine. The car was well taken care of, despite a few dings here and there. I really love these vehicles because of the classic '1G' styling of the 'pop-up' headlights, radical cockpit interior, and low riding seats that are incredibly comfortable, even on long distances. I'm also quite impressed that, even with a turbo motor, I can achieve 28mpg on an average city/freeway run. Overall, these are the best vehicles that could ever be on the road!
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Even though my Plymouth Laser had many problems when I bought it, once everything was fixed, it ran like brand new and is very reliable now. I love it.
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I recently bought a Laser after reading these reviews. I have a 1990 Laser RS. The car has high mileage but if well kept, this car is well worth the investment and fun to drive. For those audio enthusiasts out there like me, lasers are great and easy to put quality systems in. The only downside is that the paint starts to wear and look crappy.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Plymouth Laser problems:
Q&A: 1993 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo Problems
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Other years of Plymouth Laser
Are you having problems with your 1990 Plymouth Laser?
Abelardo Grimes 2024-06-23
This car made me happy! She was a great girl named Luna. We drove for miles after mile until I had to replace every part under the sun. Once the engine started to go, I retired her to my driveway. She stayed there for years, my first car love.
Ed Jacobs 2024-04-11
I really enjoyed driving this car! It was a huge improvement from my old '84 BMW 318i. Although I did spend more money on the Laser in just three months than I had on my BMW in a year (including gas), the performance was worth it. During my time with the car, I had to replace the battery twice, the alternator twice, the P/S pump, and all the P/S lines. However, the car had already undergone a lot of work before I got it, including a new clutch, new cv boots, new front axles, and a complete AC system replacement. I had just replaced the timing belt and the car was running great! It had more power than ever, great gas mileage, and sounded smooth...for two days.
Jaylen Wehner 2024-03-19
Driving with the turbo is a lot of fun, but it's important to remember to let it idle after driving. I've had to replace the turbo twice in 2 years, so it's definitely something to keep in mind.