VehicleVerdict

1989 Plymouth Sundance problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Sundance year — the 1989 model ranks #5 of 13 Sundance years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (26% of the total).

51

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Sundance years?

Sundance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sundance years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Plymouth Sundance problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1325%
Seat Belts816%
Electrical System510%
Body & Structure48%
Brakes36%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)36%
Other36%
Suspension24%
Speed Control24%
Transmission24%
Seats24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Fuel System12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1989 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.

89V237000EngineDecember 27, 1989 · 634,000 units

Defect

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Consequence

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ONGOING PROBLEM WITH LACK OF ACCELERATION AND HESITATION WHILE DRVING AT 35 MPH OR MORE. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF INDEPENDENT AND DEALER SHOPS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 10, 1996

“VEHICLES DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS INSTALLED DEFECTIVELY FOR A RECALL. REPLACEMENT BELTS HAVE SAME PROBLEM NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. TT CONSUMER STATED DEALER DID NOT HAVE PART ON 11-3-1995 HAD ORDER PRT INSTALLED NEW PART ON 11-9-1995 PART DEFECTIVE ALSO ON 12-12-1995 CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 3, 1995

“PROBLEM: CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD;ACTS LIKE THE IGNITION IS SUDDENLY INTERRUPTED. WILL START BACK UP IN A MINUTE OR LESS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW CAUSE OR WHAT TO LOOK FOR. HELP! *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“REAR PLASTIC PORTION OF THE BUMBER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 1, 1998

1989 Plymouth Sundance — common questions

Is the 1989 Plymouth Sundance reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 1989 model at #5 of 13 Sundance years. It is one of the Sundance years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Sundance problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1989 Plymouth Sundance have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Plymouth Sundance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Plymouth Sundance under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.