Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1994 Plymouth Acclaim sits mid-pack among Acclaim years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), seat belts (11), and engine (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
78
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 12 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 11 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 11 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 8 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 6 | 8% | — flat |
| Suspension | 6 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORS (BUCKLE LOCK BARS) DO NOT MEET THE STATIC LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL, EXPOSING THE RESTRAINED OCCUPANTS TO A GREATER RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
THE TRAVELING SAFETY BELT LOCK BAR ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED ON THESE VEHICLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED 3 TIMES AT MILEAGES 32659(WARRANTY), 53746 (COST $2194.00), 96303 (COST $1722.00). DEALER QUOTED SIX WEEK DELAY AT SECOND FAILURE REQUIRING INDEPENDENT REPAIR. SECOND AND THIRD REPAIRS SAME INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP. *AK”
“ENGINE HEAD GASKETS WOULD CRACK WHEN WEATHER WAS EITHER HOT OR COLD. AS SOON AS WEATHER CHANGED, HEAD GASKETS WOULD EXPAND OR CONTRACT, AND THEN CRACK. BEEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND HEAD GASKETS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, INFORMED CONSUMER THAT HEAD GASKETS WERE MADE OF ALUMINUM AND NOT STEEL.…”
“SEATBELT BUCKLES COME LOOSE WHEN BUMPING AGAINST SOMETHING. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER STATED IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK *SLC”
“CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP SIGN PREPARING TO PULL PUT WHEN SUDDENLY WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WHICH CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. ALSO CAUSED THE DUST PARTICLES LOCATED WITHIN THE AIRBAG TO GET INTO EYES OF CONSUMER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VISION. CONSUMER IS NOW SEEING A SPECIALIST .…”
“I PURCHASE MY 1994 ACCLAIM IN 1994. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRAILING ARM IN THE REAR OF MY CAR. I AM A GOOD DRIVER. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY CRASHING TO THIS CAR IN 9 YEARS. I HAVE ABOUT 189,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I WAS INFORMED THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THIS CAR. PLEASE…”
It is close to typical for the Acclaim: 78 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), seat belts (11 complaints), engine (11 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 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.