1992 Plymouth Acclaim

Introduction: The 1992 Plymouth Acclaim was a midsize sedan offered with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The base engine was a 2.5L four-cylinder producing 100 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine was a 3.0L V6 producing 141 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The Acclaim was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price, but criticized for its lack of power, especially with the four-cylinder engine.

Engine 2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, leading to a vacuum leak, rough idle, and loss of power. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run erratically. Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 Engine

• Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: The head gasket can fail, leading to coolant leaks, overheating, and reduced engine performance. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000 Recalls: None Found

Transmission Three-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping: Description/Symptoms: The transmission may start slipping, especially during acceleration or when shifting. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500 Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure: Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may fail, causing the transmission to overheat and shudder. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200 Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure: Description/Symptoms: The clutch may fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears. Solution: Replace the clutch assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Strut Bushing Wear: Description/Symptoms: The front suspension strut bushings can wear out, causing a clunking noise and vibrations during driving. Solution: Replace the strut bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain: Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain excessively, causing difficulty starting the vehicle. Solution: Check for parasitic draw and replace the battery if necessary. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, leading to decreased electrical output and battery discharge. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure: Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators may fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking. Solution: Replace the door lock actuators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may crack due to sun exposure or age. Solution: Replace the dashboard cover or repair the cracks. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure: Description/Symptoms: The window regulators may fail, causing the windows to become stuck or operate slowly. Solution: Replace the window regulators. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Plymouth Acclaim has some potential issues that can affect its reliability and performance, particularly with the V6 engine and automatic transmissions. Engine issues like head gasket failure can be costly to repair, while suspension problems such as strut bushing wear can impact ride comfort and handling. However, many of the other issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Acclaim’s reliability is on par with other midsize sedans of its era.