1990 Plymouth Sundance

Introduction

The 1990 Plymouth Sundance was a compact car available with a range of engine and transmission options. Its 1.6L engine produced 82 horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque. While the Sundance was praised for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and spacious interior, it also had several known issues.

Engine

• 1.6L SOHC 4-Cylinder
  • Head Gasket Failure: Blown gasket causes coolant and oil to mix, leading to overheating and engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace head gasket and rebuild engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Malfunction: Clogged or faulty fuel injectors cause engine misfires, rough idling, and decreased power. * Solution: Clean or replace fuel injectors. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 * Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 3-Speed Automatic
  • Leaking Transmission Fluid: Worn seals or gaskets cause fluid leaks, leading to reduced performance and transmission failure.
    • Solution: Replace seals or gaskets and top up transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• Gear Slipping: Worn clutch plates or gears cause gears to slip out of place, resulting in transmission jerking or loss of power. * Solution: Replace worn components or rebuild transmission. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ * Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts: Weak or worn struts compromise handling and ride quality, causing excessive bouncing and poor braking. * Solution: Replace struts. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 * Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Alternator: Alternator failure prevents the battery from charging, leading to electrical problems and engine stalling. * Solution: Replace alternator. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500 * Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Short: Shorts in the electrical system can cause flickering lights, battery drain, or even fire hazards. * Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical fault. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Malfunction: Worn lock mechanisms or faulty actuators prevent doors from locking or unlocking properly. * Solution: Replace lock mechanisms or actuators. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 * Recalls: None Found
• Window Motors Failure: Faulty window motors cause windows to stick or become inoperable. * Solution: Replace window motors. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 * Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Gauges Malfunction: Faulty gauges provide incorrect information or fail to function altogether. * Solution: Repair or replace faulty gauges. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 * Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Failure: Malfunctioning climate control system results in ineffective heating or cooling. * Solution: Diagnose and repair faulty components. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 * Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Plymouth Sundance had several known issues, primarily related to its engines, transmissions, and electrical system. While some issues were minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others could be more severe and expensive to resolve. It is important for owners of these vehicles to be aware of potential problems and to have them addressed promptly to maintain the vehicle’s safety and performance.