VehicleVerdict

1988 Plymouth Sundance problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1988 Plymouth Sundance sits mid-pack among Sundance years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 32, with 3 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), seat belts (10), and brakes (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

45

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Sundance years?

Sundance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted70 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 12 complaints1988: 45 complaints1989: 51 complaints1990: 59 complaints1991: 32 complaints1992: 69 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 70 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints
Sundance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sundance years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Plymouth Sundance problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1022%
Seat Belts1022%
Brakes49%
Fuel System49%
Steering37%
Transmission37%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Seats24%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%
Electrical System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%

Does the 1988 Plymouth Sundance 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.

92V053000Seat BeltsApril 13, 1992 · 115,000 units

Defect

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

SEAT OCCUPANTS WITHOUT SHOULDER RESTRAINTS ARE SUBJECT TOINCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE THE SYSTEM DRIVE AND RAIL ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED COMPONENTS.

88V129000Seat BeltsAugust 1, 1988 · 6,500 units

Defect

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LAP BELT RETRACTOR, WHICH INCORPORATES A CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKING FEATURE, MAY MALFUNCTION.

Consequence

SEAT BELT LOCK WOULD EXTRACT AND CHILD SEAT MAY MOVE OUTOF ITS RESTRAINED POSITION.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LAP RETRACTOR WITH A REDESIGNED RETRACTOR.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ENGINE HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED; ALSO REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING/LEFT WHEEL CYLINDER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 1996

“THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM WAS NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL SO NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL (92V-053). *AK ALSO VEHICLE BLOWING SMOKE INJECTORS WERE REPLACED.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 28, 1996

“ENGINE HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED; ALSO REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING/LEFT WHEEL CYLINDER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 1996

“I CAME HOME FROM WORK ON THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER AND WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVE WAY MY CAR WEN'T UP IN FLAMES FROM WHAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID WAS A AS LEAK THAT WAS LEAKING FROM MY FUEL INJECTER ONTO MY MANIFOLD. MY CAR WAS TOTALED FROM THIS FIRE. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 20, 2000 · fire

1988 Plymouth Sundance — common questions

Is the 1988 Plymouth Sundance reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sundance: 45 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1988 Sundance problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1988 Plymouth Sundance have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Plymouth Sundance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Plymouth Sundance under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Sundance years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sundance years to avoid are 1994, 1992, 1993, 1990, 1989. The cleanest record among Sundance 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.