Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 70 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Sundance year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 13 Sundance years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), seats (7), and airbags (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
70
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
16
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 9% | — flat |
| Transmission | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
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 PARKED, EMERGENCY BRAKES ON, UNOCCUPIED APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES, EMERGENCY BRAKES RELEASED ON THEIR OWN, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN INCLINE, HIT A TREE, OWNER ENGAGED BRAKES AGAIN AFTER MOVING VEHICLE, BRAKES RELEASED AGAIN ON THEIR OWN. *AK”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 20 MPH REAR END COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. 826514 DUP 0F 825398; POSTED ON 09-07-1999. *AK”
“THE FRONT SEATBACKS FAILED TO REMAIN LOCKED IN PLACE. WOULD RECLINE FORWARD, PUSHING DRIVER/PASSENGER TOWARDS STEERING WHEEL/DASHBOARD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND MECHANIC REFUSED TO LOOK AT PASSENGER'S SEATBACK. DRIVER'S SEATBACK WAS UNDER RECALL AND WOULD REPAIR IT. *AK THE FAILURE OF FRONT…”
“WHILE DRIVING HEARD METAL NOISE. ANYTIME VEHICLE SHIFTS THE NOISE IS THERE. MECHANIC FELT UP TO THE AXLE, AND FOUND THAT THE ROD THAT RUNS THROUGH THE REAR AXLE WELDING HAD BROKEN APART. BODY SHOP WELDED IT TOGETHER, AND APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER THE BAR HAD BROKEN AGAIN. *AK”
“BOUGHT CAR 2/15/98. DEALER NEVER CORRECTED ENGINE PROBLEMS, BUT CONTINUED TO REPLACE DIFFERENT PARTS AND CHARGED FULL PRICE”
NHTSA data argues against it: 70 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 13 Sundance years. It is one of the Sundance years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), seats (7 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 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.