AI Damage1992 Plymouth Laser: common problems
Owners of the 1992 Plymouth Laser filed 35 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 35
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 49% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 26% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 11% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 9% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 7 Child seat 3% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 3% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 17 complaints (49% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 9 complaints (26% of all).
- Visibility: 4 complaints (11% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Seat belts: 3 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.8 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 35 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Child seat | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I received a manufactures recall notice about a year ago on the transfer case of my vehicle. The notice stated that there was a problem with my transfer case which would cause the wheels to lock up. Upon acceptance of this form I took my car to the nearest dealer.
1992 plymouth laser badly slipping transmission car quit in traffic able to get it towed to repair a full transmission repair at cost of 1150.00 $ by transmission kint temple tx in 2002 all parts replaced oct 10 2002.
Tl contact owns a 1992 plymouth laser. While driving 45 mph, the rear wheels locked. The vehicle had to be towed and is no longer able to be driven. The dealer and mechanic have not yet inspected the vehicle. Nhtsa campaign id number 98v069002 (power train: automatic transmission) was referenced.
While in motion consumers daughter was involved in an accident. It appears the shoulder belt released from the automatic shoulder harness. The lap portion of the belt was not buclked. This crash resulted in the death of the driver.
While driving at varied speeds the engine cooling assembly detached from engine and blew out all the oil in about 30 seconds. I have been left stranded 10 times over the life of the car. The first time it happened the care was only 2 yrs old, and the whole assembly broke down. The parts were replaced under warranty.
The front passenger lap belt would click and sound like it was latched but if you gave it pull it would come out. Goetsch & irvine motor the plymouth dealer where I currently live replaced the lap belt and inner lap belt assembly at no charge. Their phone number is [phone]. They are located at 4th & leavenworth, p.o.
Driver's side window is difficult to roll up due to going off track.. .et.
Both passenger's and driver's manual windows do not stay on their tracks, resulting in windows not coming down in an emergency.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,335 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 17% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Laser has 17 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 35, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Plymouth Laser?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine and cooling, visibility. Total complaints: 35. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (14%), won't start (3%), oil leak or consumption (3%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1992 Plymouth Laser?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1992 Plymouth Laser from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1992 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.