1990 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 1990 Plymouth Sundance problems
The Plymouth Sundance, introduced in 1987, was a popular car known for its durability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners:
- Steering Linkage Wear: Some owners have reported issues with steering linkage wear, which can affect the car's handling and require replacement.
- CV Joint Failure: The constant velocity (CV) joints, which are crucial for the car's drive system, can fail, leading to difficulty in driving and requiring replacement.
- Clutch/Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the clutch and transmission, which can affect the car's drivability and may require repair or replacement.
- Cooling System Problems: Cooling system issues, such as leaks or overheating, have been reported by some owners. These problems can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Sweaty Ass Vinyl Seats: Some owners have reported issues with the vinyl seats getting hot and sticky, especially in hot weather. This can be uncomfortable for occupants and may require the use of seat covers or other solutions.
- Moving Violations: The Plymouth Sundance has been associated with a higher than average number of moving violations, possibly due to its performance capabilities.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem with the Plymouth Sundance, particularly in older models. These leaks can be messy and may lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Motor Mount Breakage: The motor mounts, which secure the engine to the car's frame, can break, leading to engine movement and noise. This can affect the car's performance and may require replacement.
- Power Steering Pressure Hose Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the power steering pressure hose, particularly after prolonged use. This can lead to loss of power steering and may require replacement.
It's important to note that not all Plymouth Sundances will experience these problems, and many have been known to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. However, these issues are common enough to be worth considering when purchasing or maintaining a Plymouth Sundance.
How much is a 1990 Plymouth Sundance worth?
The value of a used 1990 Plymouth Sundance ranges from $789 to $4,478, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Sundance?
Dodge Shadow
| 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 |
Is Plymouth and Dodge the same company?
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.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Sundance?
Dodge Shadow
| 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.
Was Plymouth made by Dodge?
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.
1990 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Plymouth Sundance vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Plymouth Sundance
The NHTSA has received 50 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Plymouth Sundance. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Plymouth Sundance vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-24
- VIN: 1P3XP440121
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED OUT OF GEAR AND REMOVED KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, CONDITION CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL FORWARD INTO A NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY WALL. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AKTHE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK YET THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD INTO A NEIGHBORS WALL CAUSING PROPERY DAMAGE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP44K7LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET BLOWS OFF RESULTING IN LOSS OF OIL, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXHIBITS THE SAME FAILURE DESCRIBED IN RECALL 89V-237 BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-23
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL RELATED PROBLEMS, BATTERY FAILED, IGNITION WIRES WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CAUSING VEHICLE TO NOT START, AND SPARK PLUGS FAILED. *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-23
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES AIRBAGS ARE A PROBLEM. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-11
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING AND DEALER ALSO REPAIRED WIRES IN TRANSMISSION SWITCH. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-02
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES AND CYLINDERS CONSTANTLY BEING REPLACED, THERE IS ALSO BRAKE FLUID LEAKING. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THERE IS A HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD. *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED, FUEL HOSE WAS REPLACED, FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED, AND O2 SENSOR FAILED. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48D4LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VALVE COVER ALLOWS OIL TO SPILL ON ENGINE, DEALER REPAIRED, HOWEVER ENGINE STILL LEAKS OIL, DEALER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 89V237 DUE TO VEHICLE WAS MADE MARCH OF 1990, OIL SENDING UNITS NEED REPLACED, ENGINE SHAKES AND BUCKS WHEN PUTTING IN REVERSE, AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. *SLC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48KOLN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-12
- VIN: 1P3XP44K5LM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BOLT BROKE, CAUSING CONSUMER'S SEAT TO FALL BACK A LITTLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP4H04LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR WAS PARKED INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. CONSUMER WENT TO RESTARED THE VECHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES WHICH CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP48D2LN
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, EXITING A RAMP AND BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE. ALSO, STEERING LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP48K0LN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE STOPPED IN A LEFT TURN LANE THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE IMPACT CAUSED BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBACKS TO COLLAPSE BACKWARD, CAUSING NECK STRAIN TO THE PASSENGER AND NECK & LOWER BACK STRAIN TO THE DRIVER.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE COLLISION HAD TAKEN PLACE. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN OWNER. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-07
- VIN: 1P3XP48K1LN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAITING AT STOP LIGHT WHEN DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. TOOK TO DEALER & HAD AIR BAG REPLACED. INSURANCE COMPANY LOOKING INTO PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AFTER DRIVER OVER A SEWER COVER AT 30 TO 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CUAISNG CONSUMER TO SUSTAIN BURNS TO SKIN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP48K9LN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-23
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 1P3XP4807LN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: HAD JUST STARTED VEHICLE, BEGAN TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO SUSTAIN INJURIES ON FACE AND NECK. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-05
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3XP48D3LN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH . VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3XP48K5LN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAME APART.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-04
- VIN: 1P3XP48K5LN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-28
- VIN: 1P3XP48K9LN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING INJURIES TO CONSUMER.
1990 Plymouth Sundance recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 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: 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 Sundance car reviews
Positive 1990 Plymouth Sundance car reviews
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I had to replace everything from the rear axle three times, the transaxle twice, the CV joints 4 times, and it was in the shop with constant mechanical and electrical problems. Despite taking care of the car and being on-time with maintenance, the engine blew--literally. Eventually, I sold it to a junkyard. It's worth noting that the car was still exceptionally nice inside and out when it finally died.
-
Back in the spring of 1991, I was lucky enough to pick up a brand new black cherry Sundance as a company car. It was a fantastic little car with peppy performance, comfortable bucket seats, and a cool floor-mounted shifter with a center console. The car even had rear folding seats and a hatchback, which came in handy when I needed to move a full-sized couch. With gas mileage in the low 20s, it was a practical choice too. I absolutely loved that little Plymouth and had lots of fun in it, even doing some work on the go. The only issue I had was when I accidentally scraped the passenger side door against a tree - oops! If you're lucky enough to find one of these in decent condition, I highly recommend buying it.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with the Horizons. I've actually owned 3 of them over the years and I've been really lucky with all 3. Recently, I bought a little Sundance with only 16,500 original miles on it. It's a 1 owner car and it looks like it's always been garaged. It's in mint condition in every way! The underside has no rust, the motor compartment is super clean, and the interior looks like it's never been sat in. I'm really excited about this car and I think it will last me well into retirement. It really feels like a car that was owned by a little old lady. Thanks for listening!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Plymouth Sundance problems:
Common Dodge Shadow, Plymouth Sundance, and Duster Repairs
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Other years of Plymouth Sundance
Are you having problems with your 1990 Plymouth Sundance?
Leonard Schmeler 2024-07-24
I owned this car for 2 1/2 years and it had 104000 miles on it when I bought it. Although it had many problems, including bad exhaust, gas tank, no A/C, electrical, rack and pinion, computer chip, and brakes, I was impressed with how well it protected me in a car accident. I ran into a van that had run a stop sign, but the airbag went off and the car crumpled enough to cushion the impact, resulting in absolutely no interior damage. Overall, it's a good small car, but be prepared for potential problems.