VehicleVerdict

1992 Plymouth Laser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.7 times the median Laser year — the 1992 model ranks #1 of 9 Laser years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (37% of the total).

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Laser years?

Laser NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Laser years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Plymouth Laser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1737%
Engine1124%
Visibility & Wipers613%
Seat Belts37%
Electrical System37%
Body & Structure37%
Brakes24%
Child Seat12%

Does the 1992 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V069002TransmissionApril 7, 1998 · 42,214 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I RECEIVED A MANUFACTURES RECALL NOTICE ABOUT A YEAR AGO ON THE TRANSFER CASE OF MY VEHICLE. THE NOTICE STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSFER CASE WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO LOCK UP. UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THIS FORM I TOOK MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 22, 1999 · crash

“THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, AND AGAIN A YEAR LATER. IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AT THAT TIME, YET IT BLEW A YEAR LATER. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE VALVES WHEN THE TIMING BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 1998

“BOTH PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S MANUAL WINDOWS DO NOT STAY ON THEIR TRACKS, RESULTING IN WINDOWS NOT COMING DOWN IN AN EMERGENCY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“THE HINGES THAT SUPPORT THE HATCHBACK WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOOR TO STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION. NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 5, 1996

“WHILE IN MOTION CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. IT APPEARS THE SHOULDER BELT RELEASED FROM THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS. THE LAP PORTION OF THE BELT WAS NOT BUCLKED. THIS CRASH RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER. *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

1992 Plymouth Laser — common questions

Is the 1992 Plymouth Laser reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1992 model at #1 of 9 Laser years. It is one of the Laser years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Laser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (17 complaints), engine (11 complaints), visibility & wipers (6 complaints).

Does the 1992 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Plymouth Laser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Plymouth Laser under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.