AI Damage1993 Plymouth Laser: common problems
Owners of the 1993 Plymouth Laser filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 15
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 53% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 7% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 7% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 8 complaints (53% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (20% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (13% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (7% 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 15 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 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 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.
Intermittently while driving on dry pavement the abs brakes engaged. When this occurred brake pedal became hard and pulsated as if the vehicle was on an icy surface. Extended stopping distance occurred which resulted in two crashes.
Driving 45-50mph, made attempt to slow down, touched brake pedal lightly, suddenly vehicle went into a spin 360 degrees four to five times. Tt
The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the transfer case was leaking oil. The manufacturer advised that nhtsa campaign id number: 98v069002 (power train: automatic transmission) was performed. However, the repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle at 30 mph, the contact heard a loud thumping noise. The vehicle was stopped and a tow truck was contacted. The vehicle was towed home and then to an independent repair shop. The independent mechanic determined that all fluid had leaked from transfer case.
The rear axle was bent in an accident and replacement part that meets manufacturer's specification could not be found, owner has replaced several axles that do not meet the manufacturers standards. Yh
The car kept stalling every time I tried to turn it on. It would not idle, but would run if you continually gave it gas. The repair shop said that they cleaned the starter plate, which helped for a day, but the car has started doing the same thing again. It is worst when put into reverse.
Passenger lap belt does not automatically retract after being fully extended.
The hatchback will not stay in the open position, it comes down slowly. Consumer states the hatch back supports are defective.
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 9,286 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Laser has 17 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 15, about 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.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- 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 1993 Plymouth Laser?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine and cooling, service brakes. Total complaints: 15. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (13%), stalls while driving (13%), oil leak or consumption (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1993 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 1993 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 1993 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.