1994 Plymouth Acclaim Problems
- Complaints
- 69filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints for this model year cluster around automatic seat belt retractors that fail to move along their tracks, automatic transmissions that shift into a lower gear or fail outright, and rear suspension trailing-arm and axle breakage. Reports in the sample span early ownership through high mileage, and several describe the same part being replaced more than once.
- Suspension
Rear trailing arm / axle cracks or breaks
Mentioned in 5 of 25 sampled complaints
Owners report scraping, clunking or grinding noises from the rear, traced to a cracked or broken trailing arm or torque bar where it attaches near the rear axle. In some cases the axle itself was replaced, and one owner reports the trailing arm being replaced twice. A separate complaint describes a cracked stabilizer bar. Reported on vehicles with substantial use, including one at about 189,000 miles; most complaints do not state mileage.
What to check: Have the rear suspension and axle mounting points inspected on a lift for cracks or previous welding, and listen for rear-end noises over bumps.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear end of this vehicle was making a scraping sound while being driven. The noise was caused by torque bar breaking a tthe point where it connects to the rear axel. Dealer has not been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #846014, filed 1999-08“Was pulling into garage & heard a noise. Took vehicle to dealer & was informed it was rear axle. Had it replaced. It happened again while driving. Was the same problem (rear axle). As the first time.”
NHTSA complaint #818654, filed 1997-10 - Brakes
Brake and airbag behavior in use
- 12 complaints (17%)
- typically at 2.9 yrs old
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2000
Complaints describe ABS brakes locking and the vehicle sliding on wet pavement, a brake pedal going to the floor during an unintended lurch, and brake pad retainer clips rubbing the rotor. Airbag complaints describe deployment in a collision with dust entering the eyes, and in one case facial injury from contact with the steering column area. Reported across a range of ages and conditions; specific mileage is not provided in these complaints.
What to check: Check brake pedal firmness and ABS function on a wet or loose surface if possible, inspect pads and rotors for uneven wear, and confirm the airbag warning light behaves normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer was at a stop sign preparing to pull put when suddenly was struck by another vehicle on driver's side which caused the airbag to deploy. Also caused the dust particles located within the airbag to get into eyes of consumer, resulting in loss of vision. Consumer is now seeing a specialist . Seatbelts were worn at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #820561, filed 1998-01“Consumer put vehicle in drive when it lurched backwards nearly hitting a parked car, another incident occurred when vehicle again lurched backwards while idling, brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle crashed into steps where it finally stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #873914, filed 2000-10 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission drops into a lower gear or fails
- 8 complaints (12%)
- typically at 3.6 yrs old
- filed 1996–2001
Complaints describe the automatic transmission downshifting on its own, jerking when coming to a stop, and in some cases failing entirely. Owners report dealers replacing the transaxle, sometimes repeatedly, and one owner describes paying for repeat rebuilds with wait times for dealer service. One owner reports failures at roughly 33,000, 54,000 and 96,000 miles; other complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Test drive from cold through several stops and note any harsh or unexpected downshifts, and ask for transmission service records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission has failed 3 times at mileages 32659(warranty), 53746 (cost $2194.00), 96303 (cost $1722.00). Dealer quoted six week delay at second failure requiring independent repair. Second and third repairs same independent transmission shop.”
NHTSA complaint #706745, filed 1999-05“When driving the vehicle and coming to a stop the vehicle jerks and then downshifts into 2nd gear. And have to drive the vehicle in that gear unless turning the vehicle off and starting it up again.”
NHTSA complaint #815496, filed 1997-08 - Engine cooling
Engine stalls or cuts out while driving
- 6 complaints (9%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- filed 1996–2001
Complaints describe the engine stopping without warning at city or highway speeds, sometimes with the check engine light on, and restarting after a wait. Owners report difficulty getting a diagnosis, with parts such as the rotor replaced without resolving the stall. Others report head gaskets cracking with temperature changes and being replaced repeatedly. Reported at various points in ownership; one owner ties head gasket failures to hot or cold weather changes.
What to check: Ask about any history of stalling or repeat ignition repairs, and check for coolant loss, overheating or milky oil that could point to head gasket trouble.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving the car will stall, it doesn't matter what speed I am driving. I can be on a city street on the highway. It first happened about six months before the first time the rotor was replaced, my machanic could not find anything wrong, eventually he thought it was the rotor and he replaced it on 3/1/97. On 11/29/97, while my husband was driving in another state the car stalled again and he had the rotor replaced again. …”
NHTSA complaint #536196, filed 1998-01“Engine head gaskets would crack when weather was either hot or cold. As soon as weather changed, head gaskets would expand or contract, and then crack. Been to dealership, and head gaskets were replaced several times. Also, informed consumer that head gaskets were made of aluminum and not steel. This head gasket was no longer manufactured.”
NHTSA complaint #877350, filed 2001-01
Buying note. These are old vehicles, so condition and service history matter more than the pattern itself: have the rear suspension, brakes and transmission inspected before purchase, and confirm the seat belts move and latch correctly.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 25 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints for the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts11 16%
- Engine cooling10 14%
- Air bags8 12%
- Brakes6 8.7%
- Suspension6 8.7%
- Other or unknown4 5.8%
- Seats4 5.8%
- Fuel system3 4.3%
Also reported: Electrical system (2), Exterior lighting (2), Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving the automatic transmission drops into a lower gear with no warning.deadelr replaced the trans axle 3 times. And now a possible electrical problem.”
NHTSA complaint #813519, filed 1997-06Engine cooling: “Screeching belt pulley I know it is a common problem for this make and model but I don't know which one it is in order to get it replaced. Please help me with info on this thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10230037, filed 2008-06Air bags: “Upon impact, during multi-crash rear to front, at approx. 10-35mph head was forced into steering column, airbag plastic cover, caused facial injuries. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #962877, filed 1995-03Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaim · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Plymouth Acclaim version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acclaim FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Acclaim FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Acclaim FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Acclaim FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Acclaim FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V023000Feb 8, 1994Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Plymouth Acclaim 1994, Dodge Spirit 1994
The safety belt anchors (buckle lock bars) do not meet the static load requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Recall details for the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Engine cooling. Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10150552Apr 23, 2015Equipment. Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the…
Other model years of the Plymouth Acclaim
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 30 | 74,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 69 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 72 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 63 | 37,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 97 | 121,500 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 60 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 33 | 200,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Plymouth Acclaim model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim?
Owner complaints for this model year cluster around automatic seat belt retractors that fail to move along their tracks, automatic transmissions that shift into a lower gear or fail outright, and rear suspension trailing-arm and axle breakage. The issues reported most often: Rear trailing arm / axle cracks or breaks; Brake and airbag behavior in use; Transmission drops into a lower gear or fails.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim have?
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints for the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 11 complaints (16% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 11.
Has the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Plymouth Acclaim (Acclaim, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.