VehicleVerdict

1991 Plymouth Laser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.8 times the median Laser year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 9 Laser years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seat belts (10), engine (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Laser years?

Laser NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Laser years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Plymouth Laser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1024%
Engine717%
Electrical System615%
Body & Structure37%
Latches & Locks37%
Suspension37%
Brakes25%
Seats25%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Transmission12%
Visibility & Wipers12%

Does the 1991 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CONSUMER'S CAR HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR SEVEN DAYS UNDER THE RECALL(OCT. 15-23,1996) AND THE WORK WAS NOT PREFORMED . (WESTBORN CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH DEALERSHIP; RECALL 95V103003). *AK CONSUMER STATES THE BELT WIRES WERE CUT AND TAPED THAT THE RECALL HAD NOT BEEN DONE CORRECTLY. TECHNICIAN STATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“INTERMITTENT STALLING CONDITION. SERVICE CONTRACT WAS STILL IN EFFECT WHEN PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT IT AND THE CONTRACT HAS SINCE EXPIRED. OWNER WANTS TO KNOW IF CHRYSLER IS STILL OBLIGATED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN HOOD UNLATCHED UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING THE HOOD TO SMASH INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND HIT THE ROOF OF VEHICLE, ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AND PERSONAL INJURIES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 16, 1998

“MECHANICAL (SUSPENSION, R.F.) REPAIRED W/USED/REMAN. PARTS. LOCAL PLYMOUTH DEALER'SSERVICE MANAGER WAS OF NO HELP CONCERNING POSSIBLE UNANNOUNCED RECALL.ALSO, I CHECKAD PLYMOUTH/MITSUBISHI (DSM MOTORS) WEBSITE FOR ANY RECALL INFO (NONE). MY VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED MODERATE SHEETMETAL (BODY) DAMAGE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 12, 2001 · crash

1991 Plymouth Laser — common questions

Is the 1991 Plymouth Laser reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 9 Laser years. It is one of the Laser years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Laser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (10 complaints), engine (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 1991 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Plymouth Laser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.