VehicleVerdict

1990 Plymouth Laser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.7 times the median Laser year — the 1990 model ranks #3 of 9 Laser years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Laser years?

Laser NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted46 complaints1987: 0 complaints1990: 34 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints
Laser NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Laser years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Plymouth Laser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine926%
Seat Belts515%
Body & Structure515%
Lighting412%
Transmission39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Electrical System26%
Other13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Brakes13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103003Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 920,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

90V106001Visibility & WipersJune 1, 1990 · 184 units

Defect

DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.

Consequence

WINDSHIELDS WOULD NOT PREVENT EJECTION OF VEHICLEOCCUPANTS DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES AND FATALITIES.

Remedy

REPLACE WINDSHIELDS, ASSOCIATED PARTS, AND PRIMER.

90V056001Visibility & WipersMarch 21, 1990 · 265 units

Defect

OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.

Consequence

THE SUNROOF GLASS COULD DETACH FROM THE ROOF AND RESULTIN INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR PERSONS IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Remedy

REPLACE MALE HINGE WITH A MODIFIED VERSION TO INCREASE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER RETENTION ABILITY.

89V128000Electrical SystemJuly 31, 1989 · 5,510 units

Defect

WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.

Consequence

BREAKAGE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSES LOSS OFHEADLAMP ILLUMINATION WHICH COULD HAVE A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS ROUTING WILL BE MODIFIED AND DAMAGED WIRES REPAIRED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TIMING BELT CUT OFF. COMPLETE POWER SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AT A 65 MILES/ HOUR ZONE, INCLUDING STEERING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ALMOST RESULTING IN THE INJURY AND DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLE DRIVERS ON HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING ALTHOUGH BELT WAS CHANGED AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 13, 2000

“SEAT BELT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS IN WHICH THE 3POINT SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE SEATB ELT HOUSING, MAKES THE SEAT BELTS INOPERABLE IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 21, 1997

“UNDER HEADLIGHT, WIRING HARNESS "POP UPS" HAS WORN OUT, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE IN AREA BEHIND HEADLIGHTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 5, 1996 · fire

“THE GEAR IS THREADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE SHAFT ,AND HAS THE ABLITY TO COME OFF, AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE ENOUGH TO NEED REPLACEMENT. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 8, 1995

1990 Plymouth Laser — common questions

Is the 1990 Plymouth Laser reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1990 model at #3 of 9 Laser years. It is one of the Laser years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Laser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints).

Does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Plymouth Laser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Plymouth Laser under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Laser years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laser years to avoid are 1992, 1991, 1990. The cleanest record among Laser years belongs to 1996.

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.