1994 Plymouth Acclaim

Introduction:

The 1994 Plymouth Acclaim was a mid-size sedan offered with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The base engine was a 2.5L V6 with 160 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The optional engine was a 3.0L V6 with 160 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the 3-speed automatic transmission.

Owners appreciate the Acclaim’s comfortable ride and spacious interior, but common complaints include sluggish performance and poor fuel economy.

Engine Issues

2.5L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cylinder head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission Issues

3-Speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, slipping gears, delayed engagement
  • Solution: Repair or replace transmission seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration during acceleration or deceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension Issues

• Strut mounts worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball joints worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering instability, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per joint
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical Issues

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to turn over
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior Issues

• Door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Handle breaks or becomes loose
  • Solution: Replace door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail light assemblies fogging up
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation inside tail light lenses
  • Solution: Replace tail light assemblies
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per assembly
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior Issues

• Seat track failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat moves forward and back unexpectedly
  • Solution: Repair or replace seat track
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate control fan failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Fan does not blow air
  • Solution: Replace climate control fan motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1994 Plymouth Acclaim has a range of issues that vary in severity and cost to fix. The most common and costly issues are related to the engine (intake manifold gasket failure and cylinder head gasket failure), followed by transmission problems such as transmission fluid leaks and torque converter shudder. Other issues, such as suspension and electrical problems, are typically less severe and less expensive to repair. Overall, the Acclaim is a reliable vehicle with some potential for expensive repairs as it ages.