1992 Plymouth Laser

Introduction

The 1992 Plymouth Laser was a compact sports car that offered a range of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0L 4-cylinder producing 135 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

People liked the Laser for its sporty handling, stylish design, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of interior space and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.0L 4-Cylinder

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, poor performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L 4-Cylinder

• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start, bent valves
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, blue smoke from exhaust, whistling noise
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Boost leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, turbocharger not spooling correctly
  • Solution: Inspect and repair boost leak
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, slipping, chattering
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, car loses power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, slipping, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace CVT belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, clunking noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar link
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per link
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery drain, no start
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No start, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Appearance of rust on body panels, frame, or exhaust system
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies based on extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or non-functioning headlights
  • Solution: Repair or replace headlight bulbs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per bulb
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window regulator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty rolling up or down windows
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty controlling temperature or fan speed
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Plymouth Laser is a reliable and affordable sports car, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems are related to the engine, transmission, and suspension. While the cost of repairs can be high for some of these issues, overall the Laser is a good value for the price.