1989 Plymouth Sundance problems
The Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance are compact 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks that were introduced for the 1987 model year by the Chrysler Corporation. For 1991, a 2-door convertible variant was added to the Shadow lineup; this bodystyle was not offered by Plymouth. The Sundance/Shadow replaced the Omni/Horizon models of their respective marque.
The first vehicle rolled out of Sterling Heights Assembly on August 25, 1986. In late 1988, production of the Mexican market version called the Chrysler Shadow began at Toluca Car Assembly. The Shadow/Sundance was also sold in Europe from 1988 to 1991 as the Chrysler ES. Production ended on March 9, 1994, with the Shadow/Sundance being replaced by the Dodge / Plymouth Neon.
Design
The Shadow/Sundance employed a variant of the K-car platform, the P-body, which was based on a combination of the Dodge Daytona's suspension (alongside some of its interior styling cues) with a shortened version of the Dodge Lancer's body. It had originally been intended as a direct replacement for the earlier Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon, but with the economy segment becoming more crowded after the recent introductions of Hyundai (and Yugo) to the US market, Chrysler chose to make the car a bit more substantial. The P platform, being a cut down version of the regular K platform, was also a bit heavier than the competition. The lineup also had more equipment across the board than expected for the class, at least until the 1991 introduction of the stripped-down America model.
While they appeared to have a trunk, it was actually a hatchback. Chrysler considered this a special feature and advertising literature referred to it as "hidden hatchback versatility"; the relatively large storage capacity of these vehicles was a major selling point for the company. The Peugeot 309 which had been developed to replace the European Chrysler Horizon used a similar layout. While mechanically identical, the Sundance and Shadow were differentiated by their front grill, which featured brand consistent designs, Dodge using a crosshair design and Plymouth an "egg crate" design. They also had different tail lamps. In its final year, the Shadow featured the new Dodge ram's head emblem on the hood, replacing the corporate pentastar.
In the original lineup, the three-door only Shadow ES was the sportiest model, only available with the turbocharged engine and with wider rims and tires than other models.
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Common 1989 Plymouth Sundance problems
The 1989 Plymouth Sundance has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One major issue is with the air conditioning (A/C) system. Many owners have reported that their vehicles had no A/C when purchased, and even after replacing multiple compressors, the system still does not work properly. The main problem is that the belt will not stay on, causing the A/C system to fail repeatedly.
Another significant issue is related to the transmission. Transmission problems in the 1989 Plymouth Sundance could include shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, car shaking, whistling noises, or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood. These issues can lead to decreased fuel economy and, in severe cases, the inability to drive the car at all. Plymouth recommends regularly checking the transmission and differential fluids for wear and tear, and replacing them with Plymouth-approved transmission fluid at certain intervals.
The heater system is another problematic area in the 1989 Plymouth Sundance. The heater core hoses can become clogged with sediment, causing the heater to blow out cold air. This issue can be resolved by flushing the heater core hoses with a garden hose on full pressure. Additionally, some models of the Sundance may have a heater valve that can become stuck in bypass mode, which can also cause the heater to blow cold air.
Lastly, the 1989 Plymouth Sundance has been reported to have issues with the fuel system. Some owners have reported that their cars cut out in the middle of the road, and replacing the pickup coil did not solve the problem. In some cases, the issue was found to be a loose alternator belt, but other causes, such as a faulty fuel pump relay or a dirty fuel filter, may also be responsible for the problem.
In summary, the 1989 Plymouth Sundance has several common problems, including issues with the A/C system, transmission, heater, and fuel system. Regular maintenance and checking for wear and tear can help prevent some of these issues, but some problems, such as transmission problems, may require more extensive repairs.
What years did they make the Plymouth Sundance?
| Dodge Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation |
| Also called | Chrysler ES Chrysler Shadow Plymouth Sundance |
| Production | August 1986 – March 1994 |
| Model years | 1987–1994 |
How much horsepower does a Plymouth Sundance Turbo have?
Powertrain specs
| Engine type | 2.2 L Turbo I turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 148 ps (146 bhp / 109 kw) @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm |
| Power / liter | 67 ps (66 hp) |
| Power / weight | 121 ps (120 bhp) / t |
Who makes the Sundance car?
Sold for the 1987 through 1994 model years, the Sundance was Plymouth's compact sedan and coupe, which would collectively replace the Horizon, Turismo, and Reliant, as these vehicles were phased out between 1987-1990.
When did they stop making Plymouth?
June 29, 2001
Plymouth (automobile)
| Product type | Automobile, vans, trucks |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler |
| Introduced | July 7, 1928 by Walter Chrysler (94 years ago) |
| Discontinued | June 29, 2001 |
| Related brands | Dodge |
What kind of car is a Sundance?
The Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance are economical 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks that were introduced for the 1987 model year by the Chrysler Corporation. For 1991, a 2-door convertible variant was added to the Shadow lineup; this bodystyle was not offered by Plymouth.
How much horsepower does a Plymouth Sundance Turbo have?
Powertrain specs
| Engine type | 2.2 L Turbo I turbo I4 |
|---|---|
| Power | 148 ps (146 bhp / 109 kw) @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm |
| Power / liter | 67 ps (66 hp) |
| Power / weight | 121 ps (120 bhp) / t |
What years did they make the Plymouth Sundance?
Plymouth Sundance Overview
The Sundance was introduced for the 1987 model year and was produced until 1994. The car was built on Chrysler's P-body platform. The Sundance had a twin in Chrysler's lineup, the Dodge Shadow.
Who makes the Sundance car?
Sold for the 1987 through 1994 model years, the Sundance was Plymouth's compact sedan and coupe, which would collectively replace the Horizon, Turismo, and Reliant, as these vehicles were phased out between 1987-1990.
1989 Plymouth Sundance car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Sundance problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Plymouth Sundance vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Plymouth Sundance
The NHTSA has received 50 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Plymouth Sundance. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Plymouth Sundance vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-03
- VIN: 1P3BP44JXKN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT PEELING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-25
- VIN: 1P3CP48K7KN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. AND AFTER HAVING REPAIRED LEAK A FEW TIMES WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THAT PART. ALSO, HAS A PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELTS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BP48K2KN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL ON DRIVERWAY. HAD VEHICLE SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN STATED HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
- VIN: 1P3CP48D6KN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH LACK OF ACCELERATION AND HESITATION WHILE DRVING AT 35 MPH OR MORE. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF INDEPENDENT AND DEALER SHOPS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BP44D3KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PROBLEM: CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD;ACTS LIKE THE IGNITION IS SUDDENLY INTERRUPTED. WILL START BACK UP IN A MINUTE OR LESS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW CAUSE OR WHAT TO LOOK FOR. HELP! *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3CP44D8KN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WE WERE NOTIFIED OF A RECALL INVOLVING THE AUTOMATIC SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WERE GIVEN A SMALL TUBE OF LUBRICANT TO USE ON THE TRACKS. LATER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO MANUALLY MOVE IT TO THE POINT AT WHICH IT WOULD NORMALLY BE WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND THE SHOULDER BELT WAS IN USE. WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING THIS BELT IN THIS MANUAL MANNER FOR OVER FOUR YEARS. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE PARTS INVOLVED IF THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED ITS "ECONOMIC LIFE". WHEN ASKED WHAT THAT "LIFE" EXPECTANCY WAS, I WAS TOLD "ANYTHING OVER 100,000 MILES". THE PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED. I WAS ADVISED THAT I COULD PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR A COST IN EXCESS OF $200 PER ASSEMBLY. I DID NOT REPLACE THE PARTS, NOR DID THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN USE AND THE BELTS ARE LAWFULLY SUPPOSED TO BE FUNCTIONING AS "AUTOMATIC" BUT THEY DO NOT. THE SHOULDER HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RECEIVES LESS USE, BUT IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. HOW DO WE GET THE DEALER TO COMPLY AND REPAIR THIS VEHICLE? NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 92V053000L COMPONENT: INTEIOR SYSTEMS PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELTS; MANUFACTURER: CHRYSLER CORPORATION; POTENTIONAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 115000. OUR VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE ONE OF THOSE AFFECTED. NOW WHAT?
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-14
- VIN: 1P3CP48K3KN
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: BACK WHEELS WERE MAKING NOISY. TOOK CAR TO GARAGE AND WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE LIFT THE PASSENGER'S REAR HUB FELL OFF. THE ONLY THING KEEPING IT ON WAS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR. THE LOOSE HUB HAD WORN A GROOVE INTO THE AXLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE SHOULDER SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT OPERATE. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PLASTIC PORTION OF THE BUMBER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VIRTUALLY ALL COMPONENT FAILED. RECALLS AND REPAIRS DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-18
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BP44D6KN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT BACK COLLASPED DUE TO BOLT FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3CP48D6KN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL WORK COMPLETED ON THE MOTORBELT HOWEVER DRIVER'S SIDE BELT CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP48K5KN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE DASH TO CATCH ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-04
- VIN: 1P3B48D8KN5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN LIFTING THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK SUPPORT FAILED, CAUSING THE TRUNK TO COME DOWN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3CP48D6KN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S MOTORIZED SEAT BELT LOCKS UP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE MOUNTS THAT HOLD THE ENGINE IN PLACE, ARE STARTING TO FRACTURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- VIN: 1P3BP48K6KN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: RPM GUAGE JUMPS AROUND WHILE IGNITION IS ON.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- VIN: 1P3BP48K6KN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT BROKE. *DSH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- VIN: 1P3BP48K6KN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK IN THE MORNING.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-15
- VIN: 1P3BP48K6KN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-03
- VIN: 1P3CP48D2KN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS INSTALLED DEFECTIVELY FOR A RECALL. REPLACEMENT BELTS HAVE SAME PROBLEM NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. TT CONSUMER STATED DEALER DID NOT HAVE PART ON 11-3-1995 HAD ORDER PRT INSTALLED NEW PART ON 11-9-1995 PART DEFECTIVE ALSO ON 12-12-1995 CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES TO DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE ALWAYS BUSY, CALLED DEALER BACK AND NO ONE RETURBED CONSUMER'S CALL, FINALLY WHEN CONSUMER SPOKE TO SOMONE WAS TOLD THEY SEAT BELT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELTS SLOWLY OR CHATTER IN THE TRACK AND MAY EVENTUALLY STOP TRAVELING AND BECOME INOPERATIVE, LUBRICATE TRACKS ON SEVERAL OCCASION, TO NO AVAIL, RECAL #545
1989 Plymouth Sundance recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Plymouth Sundance.
- 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: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: SEAT OCCUPANTS WITHOUT SHOULDER RESTRAINTS ARE SUBJECT TOINCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.
- 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 Sundance problems:
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Other years of Plymouth Sundance
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