VehicleVerdict

1990 Plymouth Acclaim problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 Plymouth Acclaim sits mid-pack among Acclaim years: 70 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (17), airbags (14), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

70

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Acclaim years?

Acclaim NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Acclaim years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Plymouth Acclaim problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1724%
Airbags1420%
Transmission811%
Electrical System69%
Suspension69%
Seat Belts57%
Seats46%
Steering34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Tires & Wheels11%
Fuel System11%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%
Other11%

Does the 1990 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 ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN A BIG BANG WAS HEARD. SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE DASH BOARD. SPARKS WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. ONCE ON THE SHOULDER, THE VEHICLE BURNED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END BURNED THROUGH,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2003 · fire

“ON MARCH 16, 2004, WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON ICY PAVEMENT, THE CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RAN INTO A TREE INSTEAD. UPON IMPACT, NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 16, 2004 · crash

“CAR WAS PARK ENGINE WAS OFF A TEN YEAR OLD BOY PUSH BUTTON ON TOP OF SHIFT KNOB TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE WITH ENGINE OFF WENT DOWN A HILL CAR WAS TOTALED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 30, 1995 · crash

“CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE STABILIZER BAR SNAP CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 26, 2002

“CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ROLL ELECTRIC WINDOWS UP OR DOWN AND AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT. AFTER TAKING IT TO DEALER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THEN WHEN IT WAS TURNED BACK ON, AND VEHICLE WAS FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. THE BATTERY WAS JERKED OUT AND THE FIRE WENT OUT, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM BURNING UP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 1998 · fire

1990 Plymouth Acclaim — common questions

Is the 1990 Plymouth Acclaim reliable?

It is close to typical for the Acclaim: 70 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1990 Acclaim problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), airbags (14 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).

Does the 1990 Plymouth Acclaim have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Plymouth Acclaim. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.