Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Sundance year — the 1993 model ranks #3 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 (16), seats (10), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
67
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 16 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 10 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 6 | 9% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 6% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FOUR CAR ACCIDENT. WHEN FRONTAL IMPACT OCCURRED, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND HIT THE DRIVER. ALSO THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, AND DRIVER ENDED UP LAYING IN THE REAR SEAT, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“DRIVING DOWN RD, GOING WRONG WAY, STARTED TO TURN AROUND, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED SUNDANCE, FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED/BROKE ONTO REAR, BACKSEATS *AK VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED FOWARD DUE TO IMPACT, STEERING WHEEL RIPPED OUT OF DRIVER'S HANDS CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER AND PASSENGER…”
“WHILE DRVING ABOUT 50 MPH THE REAR PANEL THAT GOES FROM THE WINDOW TO THE BACK SEAT, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUGHT ON FIRE CLOSE TO THE ROOF. IN AUGUST 1997 THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS BEING INVESTIGATED. *AK”
“REAR AXLE ON A 1993 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE HAS A ANTI-SWAY BAR WELDED INSIDE THE AXLE. THE SWAY BAR OR THE WELDS BROKE CAUSING A VERY LOUD NOISE. THE REAR AXLE SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. COST TO…”
“WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CAR SUDDENLY DIED. ONCE CAR WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BROKEN CAMSHAFT. THE CAMSHAFT SNAPPED IN TWO PIECES , THE PULLEY WITH ONE CAM LOBE AND THE REST OF CAMSHAFT COMPOSED THE TWO PARTS... BEEN DRIVING OVER THIRTY YEARS---NEVER…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 1993 model at #3 of 13 Sundance years. It is one of the Sundance years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (16 complaints), seats (10 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Plymouth Sundance. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 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.