VehicleVerdict

1994 Plymouth Laser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1994 Plymouth Laser — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Laser years?

Laser NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Laser years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Plymouth Laser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers233%
Brakes117%
Electrical System117%
Engine117%
Transmission117%

Does the 1994 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.

“THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED, THERE IS A MITSUBISHI ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE 1994 LASERS, ECLIPSES OR TALONS HAVE BLOWN THE VALVES IN THEIR ENGINES AS WELL. I FEEL THIS IS CHEAPLY PUT TOGETHER AND I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR FROM PLYMOUTH. IN THE 1 YEAR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 1999

“THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED, THERE IS A MITSUBISHI ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE 1994 LASERS, ECLIPSES OR TALONS HAVE BLOWN THE VALVES IN THEIR ENGINES AS WELL. I FEEL THIS IS CHEAPLY PUT TOGETHER AND I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR FROM PLYMOUTH. IN THE 1 YEAR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 1999

“CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HOUSING EXPLODED, BLOWING TRANSMISSION AWAY FROM ENGINE, AND CAUSING AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT IT APPEARS THAT THE BOLTS CAME LOOSE OR BROKE IN THE PRESSURE PLATE, CHRYSLER IS STATING THAT ALL THE FAILURES ARE NOT THEIR PROBLEMS, TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 11, 2001 · fire

“THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER PURCHASED, THERE IS A MITSUBISHI ENGINE IN THIS CAR AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE 1994 LASERS, ECLIPSES OR TALONS HAVE BLOWN THE VALVES IN THEIR ENGINES AS WELL. I FEEL THIS IS CHEAPLY PUT TOGETHER AND I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR FROM PLYMOUTH. IN THE 1 YEAR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 1999

1994 Plymouth Laser — common questions

Is the 1994 Plymouth Laser reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1994 Plymouth Laser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 Plymouth Laser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 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.