1998 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 1998 Plymouth Laser problems
The Plymouth Laser, manufactured between 1989 and 1994, was known for its sporty front-drive coupe design and various engine options. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems reported by owners. This article will focus on the 1998 model year, which had two reported problems related to the fuel system.
- Fuel System - Other (1 problem)
The first common problem for the 1998 Plymouth Laser is related to the fuel system, with one reported issue. This could include various problems such as fuel leaks, fuel pump failures, or issues with the fuel injectors. These problems can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, or even complete engine failure in severe cases. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system components can help prevent or address these issues. - Fuel System - Gasoline (1 problem)
The second common problem for the 1998 Plymouth Laser is also related to the fuel system, with one reported issue. This problem is specifically related to gasoline, which suggests issues with the vehicle's fuel delivery or combustion system. These problems could include faulty fuel pressure regulators, clogged fuel filters, or malfunctioning fuel injectors. These issues can lead to poor engine performance, difficulty starting the vehicle, or increased fuel consumption. Regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system components can help prevent or address these issues.
It is important to note that the Plymouth Laser was discontinued in 1994 due to poor sales, and the 1998 model year refers to the last year of production for the Eagle Talon, which was built alongside the Laser in the Diamond Star Motors factory. Therefore, the common problems for the 1998 Laser may also apply to the Eagle Talon, as they share many components and were built in the same facility.
Regular maintenance, inspection, and timely repairs can help prevent or address these common problems and ensure the longevity and reliability of the Plymouth Laser.
How many Plymouth lasers were made?
Model year changes
| 1990 | 42,105 |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 24,094 |
| 1993 | 14,300 |
| 1994 | 5,284 (production halted mid-year) |
| Total | 115,981 |
What is the sister car to the Eagle Talon?
the Mitsubishi Eclipse
The Eagle Talon is an overlooked car. A small, sporty coupe, the Talon is the sister car to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. In fact, both cars roll off the same assembly line in Normal, Ill., in a joint production deal with Chrysler Corp. But the Eclipse outsells the Talon.
What is the Dodge version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse?
The Eagle Talon is a sport compact hatchback coupé manufactured as part of a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi in two generations starting from the 1989 model year. The cars were marketed by Eagle as well as rebadged variants, the Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclipse.
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 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?
Model year changes
| 1990 | 42,105 |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 24,094 |
| 1993 | 14,300 |
| 1994 | 5,284 (production halted mid-year) |
| Total | 115,981 |
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 |
What year was the Chrysler Laser made?
During the 1980s, the Chrysler Laser stood out as one of the more upscale and well-equipped models. Chrysler produced the Laser for just three model years from 1984 to 1986.
1998 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Plymouth Laser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Plymouth Laser complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Plymouth Laser.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-04
- VIN: 1P4GP44R1WB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP RELAY AND SENDING UNIT.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 1P4GP44R4WB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: GAS VALVE LEAK.
Additional sources
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