Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1992 Plymouth Acclaim sits mid-pack among Acclaim years: 84 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (14), airbags (13), and suspension (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
84
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
10
Injuries
3
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 14 | 17% | — flat |
| Airbags | 13 | 15% | — flat |
| Suspension | 11 | 13% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 8 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 6% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Consequence
FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ,IT WAS IN PARK GEAR. DEALER HAD TOLD CONSUMER TO PUSH GEAR TOWARDS CONSUMER AND UP TO MAKE SURE GEAR WAS IN PARK. SUDDENLY GEAR JUMPED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A TREE. CONSUMER HAS TO GET DOOR AND LEFT FENDER REPLACED ,CONSUMER SUSTAINED BRUISES. *AK”
“DRIVING VEHICLE SPEED 5MPH, DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, AND NO IMPACT WAS INVOLVED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, HITTING A PARKED VEHICLE, DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY. *AK”
“CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN IN THE REVERSE POSITION VEHICLE MADE A CLANKING NOISE. THE TRAILING ARM OVER THE REAR AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK”
“CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED. *YH”
“WHEN DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, VEHICLE PICKED UP EXCESSIVE SPEED, WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT TWO POLES AND FLIPPED OVER. DAUGHTER WAS EJECTED FROM VEHICLE AND KILLED. THREE WITNESSES SAW DAUGHTER PUT ON HER SEAT BELT. ANOTHER OCCUPANT IN VEHICLE WAS INJURED. *SLC”
It is close to typical for the Acclaim: 84 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), airbags (13 complaints), suspension (11 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Plymouth Acclaim. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Acclaim years to avoid are 1991. The cleanest record among Acclaim years belongs to 1996.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.