Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1991 Plymouth Sundance sits mid-pack among Sundance years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 32, with 4 recalls and 5 closed investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across seats (7), body & structure (5), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
32
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
5
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 16% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence
IF THE BOLT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Defect
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
Consequence
IF THE BOLT FAILS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A HIGHER STRENGTH BOLT THAT INCLUDES A SELF LOCKING NYLON PATCH.
Defect
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
Consequence
IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR ARMATURE CRACKS IN THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT AREA. ANY STEERING WHEELS SHOWING CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.
Defect
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS AND COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
PROPERLY TORQUE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS TO 250 POUNDS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DEALERSHIP HAD TO ORDER NEW SEAT BECAUSE BEFORE RECALL NOTICE BOLT HAD ALREADY BROKEN. THIS WAS IN AUG OF 1997. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, STILL HAS NOT PROVIDED SEAT. *AK”
“IF YOU CAN'T HELP ME WITH THE PAINT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHO CAN. WAS THERE ANY RECALL ON PAINTING FOR PLYMOUTHS? I SEE MANY SUNDANCES ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM PEELING AS MINE. ALSO, SOME SPOTS WHERE PEELING OCCURRED, IS NOW RUSTING. AS FOR THE HOOD, REPLACEMENT SHOCKS I PURCHASED HELPED…”
“AUTO-TRAN: CAN REMOVE KEYS FROM IGNITION WITHOUT GEAR IN PARK POSITION; CAN SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT IGNITION SWITCH TURNED; ROLLED ONTO STREET; HIT PARKED CAR. TT”
“SERPENTINE BELT ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERNATOR SLIPS FROM PULLEY ASSEMBLY WHEN IN CONTACT WITH WATER IS MADE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED BELT. CONSUMER CONCERNED THAT WHEN BELT SLIPS FROM ASSEMBLY, LOSS OF POWER WOULD OCCUR, AND VEHICLE COULD BE DIFFICULT TO MANAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE…”
“BUSINESS AREA HAD BROKEN WATER LINE; ROAD WAS ICY; ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, SLID INTO REAR OF VEHICLE, AIRBAG POPPED OUT, DID NOT INFLATE. *AK”
It is close to typical for the Sundance: 32 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 5 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (7 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Plymouth Sundance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.