1989 Plymouth Sundance problems & reliability
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Plymouth Sundance. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 10 | 30% |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 24% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 12% |
| Structure | 4 | 12% |
| Equipment | 3 | 9% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 9% |
| Power Train | 2 | 6% |
| Seats | 2 | 6% |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 15 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Vehicle had an oil leak. And after having repaired leak a few times was told by mechanic that there is a recall on that part. Also, has a problem with seat belts. *ak”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed May 25, 2001
“Consumer noticed large amount of oil on driverway. Had vehicle serviced, and technician stated head gasket needed to be replaced. Please provide further information. *ak”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Feb 27, 2001
“Ongoing problem with lack of acceleration and hesitation while drving at 35 mph or more. Vehicle been in/out of independent and dealer shops on several occasions, and problem is still occurring. *ak”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Apr 28, 2000
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA91043 · opened Oct 30, 1991 · closed Apr 20, 1992 · led to recall 92V053000
- AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE91082 · opened Jun 5, 1991 · closed Oct 30, 1991
- STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
Preliminary Evaluation PE91065 · opened Apr 16, 1991 · closed Aug 30, 1991
Technical service bulletins
15 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Plymouth Sundance. The 10 most recent:
Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj
2100601 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 16, 2001
Subject regarding wire splice repairs. *sb
0800600REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 29, 2000
Subject regarding child seat tether anchors. *tt
2300800B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 24, 2000
Subject regarding child seat tether anchors. *tt
230800 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 3, 2000
This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts. *tt
080600 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 25, 2000
Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *mjs
233599REVA · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 1999
Information on child seat tether anchors. *tt
233599 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 3, 1999
This bulletin announces the availability and installation of a resuable automatic transmission oil pan gasket. *tt
210599A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 3, 1999
Concerns with engine coolant usage. *nlm
070397 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 9, 1997
Various car owner's have expressed interest in using engine coolants made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. *yc
070397 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 9, 1997
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1989 Plymouth Sundance in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1989 Plymouth Sundance?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.