VehicleVerdict

1986 Plymouth HORIZON problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1986 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other HORIZON years?

HORIZON NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted13 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 13 complaints1988: 3 complaints1989: 4 complaints1990: 3 complaints
HORIZON NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all HORIZON years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Plymouth HORIZON problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2100%

Does the 1986 Plymouth HORIZON have recalls?

3 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.

91V056000SuspensionApril 11, 1991 · 55,000 units

Defect

REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLTS MAY FAIL FROM STRESS CORROSION CRACKING POSSIBLY CAUSED BY PROCESSING DEVIATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIVOT BOLT.

Consequence

FAILURE OF BOLTS MAY RESULT IN PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THEREAR SUSPENSION FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUTWARNING AND A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLT WITH A PROPERLY PROCESSED BOLT.

86V053000Electrical SystemApril 10, 1986 · 32,149 units

Defect

BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.

Remedy

REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER NEW CARB WAS PUT ON CAR STILL HAS VERY ROUGH IDLE AND STALLS.TOOK IT TO 5 REPAIR SHOPS THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S IDLE.HAD EXHAUST REPLACED TOO BUT CAR IS STILL LOUD.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 15, 2000

1986 Plymouth HORIZON — common questions

Is the 1986 Plymouth HORIZON reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Plymouth HORIZON have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Plymouth HORIZON. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.