Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1980 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
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 1 | 100% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS TO THE CONTROL ARMS MAY FAIL DUE TO A BOLT SECTION CRACK CONDITION. THE BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ARM POSSIBLY AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINT TO CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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 HOOD SECONDARY LATCH ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE SUBJECT TO BINDING DUE TO VARIATIONS IN THE LATCH AND ITS MOUNTING BASE ASSEMBLY. A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR IF THE PRIMARY LATCH BECAME INOPERATIVE OR WAS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SYSTEM AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST IT AT NO COST 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 1980 Plymouth HORIZON. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.