1990 Plymouth Laser Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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
- 23 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Plymouth Laser (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1990 Plymouth Laser. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 8 complaints (27% of the total), followed by seat belts (5) and body and structure (5). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part.
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.
- Engine cooling8 27%
- Seat belts5 17%
- Body and structure5 17%
- Exterior lighting4 13%
- Electrical system2 6.7%
- Brakes1 3.3%
- Equipment1 3.3%
- Other or unknown1 3.3%
- Tires1 3.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Timing belt cut off. Complete power shut off in the middle of highway at a 65 miles/ hour zone, including steering. Extremely dangerous situation almost resulting in the injury and death of the driver and other vehicle drivers on highway. There was no previous warning although belt was changed at dealership 35,000 miles ago. Manufacturer suggests changing timing belt every 60,000 miles or more.”
NHTSA complaint #732380, filed 2000-09Seat belts: “Recall 95v103.003/active restraints belt buckeles: recall notice received and consumer been trying to get dealer to honor it since dec/1998. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #860257, filed 2000-04Complaints 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 1990 Plymouth Laser. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser · coupe | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
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 1990 Plymouth Laser 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Laser FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Laser FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Laser FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 95V103003May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Plymouth Laser 1990–1991, Dodge Colt 1986–1991, RAM 50 1986–1991 +7 more
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- 90V106001Jun 1, 1990Visibility › WindshieldCovers: Plymouth Laser 1990, Eagle Talon 1990
Diluted primer may have been used on the windshield opening flanges prior to windshield glass installation which would not provide the retention required by fmvss 212.
- 90V056001Mar 21, 1990Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Plymouth Laser 1990, Eagle Talon 1990
Operation of sunroof in "non-standard" manner may cause male hinge disengagement from the roof hinge receiver.
- 89V128000Jul 31, 1989Electrical system › WiringCovers: Plymouth Laser 1990, Mitsubishi Eclipse 1990
Wiring harness for the headlamps may break due to the stress created by the headlamp pop up devices.
Recall details for the 1990 Plymouth Laser → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Plymouth Laser.
Other model years of the Plymouth Laser
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 15 | 98,001 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 35 | 138,251 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 30 | 220,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 30 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Plymouth Laser model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1990 Plymouth Laser as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Plymouth Laser is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 8 complaints (27% of the total), followed by seat belts with 5.
Has the 1990 Plymouth Laser been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Plymouth Laser get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Plymouth Laser (Laser, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 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 30, 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.