Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 Plymouth HORIZON — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LINE HOSES INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE FABRICATED FROM A DEFECTIVE RUBBER COMPOUND. WHEN SUBJECTED TO CONTINUOUS HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES, THESE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY AND VAPOR RETURN HOSES WITH A TYPE CONSTRUCTED OF HIGH TEMPERATURE-RESISTANT MATERIAL.
Defect
THE ALTERNATOR FIELD WIRING TERMINAL CONNECTIONS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, ALTERNATOR ELECTRICAL OUTPUT TO SUPPORT THE VEHICLES ELECTRICAL LOADS AND THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WOULD BE LOST. THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN OBVIOUS MALFUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (DIMMING OF LIGHTS, REDUCTION IN RADIO VOLUME, ETC.).
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ALTERNATOR REPAIR KIT WHICH INCLUDES A NEW ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS NEW TERMINALS. DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR THE PRESENCE OF A REQUIRED SECOND ALTERNATOR GROUND STRAP AND ADD ONE IF NECESSARY.
Defect
THE WHEEL MOUNTING NUTS INSTALLED MAY BE INCORRECT DUE TO A SUPPLIER ERROR IN MIXING STANDARD THREAD NUTS WITH SPECIFIED METRIC THREAD NUTS PRIOR TO PLANT SHIPMENT. AS A RESULT, THE NUT THREADS MAY STRIP WHEN TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE LEVEL RANGE, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE LOOSENING OF A ROAD WHEEL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING NUTS WITH THE PROPER METRIC THREAD NUTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Plymouth HORIZON. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.