VehicleVerdict

1989 Plymouth Acclaim problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Plymouth Acclaim sits mid-pack among Acclaim years: 47 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (38% of the total).

47

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Acclaim years?

Acclaim NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted120 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 47 complaints1990: 70 complaints1991: 120 complaints1992: 84 complaints1993: 102 complaints1994: 78 complaints1995: 35 complaints1996: 1 complaints
Acclaim NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Acclaim years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Plymouth Acclaim problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1838%
Suspension715%
Transmission715%
Electrical System49%
Lighting36%
Seat Belts24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Airbags12%

Does the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

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.

89V237000EngineDecember 27, 1989 · 634,000 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECT VALVE GUIDE WHICH IS CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE SMOKING, POSSIBLY POLLUTING THE AIR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“MANUFACTURER FAILED TO INSTALL A LOCKING FLOOR SHIFT IN VEHICLE LEAVING FLOORSHIFT LEVER UNLOCKED WHEN KEY IS REMOVED. *SD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 7, 1995

“DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE HEATING UNIT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE DASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 24, 1998 · fire

“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN HEADLIGHT COVER BECAME DIM. WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE DISTANCES CLEARLY DURING NIGHT. HEADLIGHT LENS COVER WAS VERY YELLOWISH LOOKING AND LIGHT WAS NOT ABLE TO SHINE THROUGH CLEARLY.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

1989 Plymouth Acclaim — common questions

Is the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 47 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Acclaim year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Acclaim problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), suspension (7 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Plymouth Acclaim under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Acclaim years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Acclaim years to avoid are 1991. The cleanest record among Acclaim years belongs to 1996.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.