VehicleVerdict

1990 Plymouth Sundance problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Sundance year — the 1990 model ranks #4 of 13 Sundance years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (13), engine (8), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

59

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Sundance years?

Sundance NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sundance years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Plymouth Sundance problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1322%
Engine814%
Transmission712%
Seat Belts58%
Suspension47%
Body & Structure47%
Steering47%
Electrical System35%
Brakes35%
Seats23%
Lighting23%
Fuel System12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Other12%

Does the 1990 Plymouth Sundance have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH . VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 5, 1997 · crash · fire

“CAR WAS PARKED INSIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. CONSUMER WENT TO RESTARED THE VECHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES WHICH CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 16, 1999 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS LEFT PARKED OUT OF GEAR AND REMOVED KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, CONDITION CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL FORWARD INTO A NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY WALL. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AKTHE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK YET THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, AS A RESULT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 24, 2001

“WHILE DRIVING REAR WHEEL BROKE AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURVE AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER IN THE SEAT. ALSO THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTILL THE VEHICLE HAD CAME TO AN COMPLETE STOP.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 29, 1996 · crash

“AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING FRONT END ACCIDENT, CAUSED STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK; AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED FACIAL/ARMS/LEGS INJURIES; OWNER WILL GIVE MORE DETAILS. T”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 2, 1996 · crash

1990 Plymouth Sundance — common questions

Is the 1990 Plymouth Sundance reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 1990 model at #4 of 13 Sundance years. It is one of the Sundance years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Sundance problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (13 complaints), engine (8 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Plymouth Sundance have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Plymouth Sundance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Plymouth Sundance under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.