Owners have filed 84 complaints
about the 1992 Plymouth Acclaim with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
926.5%
Rear
823.5%
Axle Assembly
514.7%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
38.8%
Ignition
38.8%
Switch
25.9%
Engine
25.9%
Headlights
25.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
133.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
133.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
133.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 5Apr 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Plymouth Acclaim
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE96036Opened 14 May 1996Closed 31 Oct 1996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE96008Opened 25 Jan 1996Closed 28 Jun 1996SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION
Recalls on the 1992 Plymouth Acclaim
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
92V015000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Risk: FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19920182,829 units in Canada
Steering
A steering column coupling bolt may fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement, causing loss of clamping load on the steering column shaft coupling with resultant loss of steering control. Correction: Zinc plated steering column coupling bolts will be replaced with a phosphate coated bolt.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Unknown, 001 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL, AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #785658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesNixa, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8022435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesNixa, MOFire
STEERING:COLUMN
THE VEHICLES UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING AND LOSS STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE VIN# WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL92V015. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #868661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #868661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Estill Springs, TN1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #868235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesTroy, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT DELAMINATION ON HORIZONTAL SURFACES. STARTED WITH JUST A FEW FLAKES. BY WINTER OF 2002, AREAS WERE INCREASING IN SIZE DRAMATICALY. PAINT ON HOOD IS NOW 90% GONE. TOP HAS LOST 60% OF PAINT AND IS BEGINING TO RUST! DECK LID IS STILL MINOR WTH PERHAPS 10% LOSS BUT IT IS STARTING TO LOOSE MORE PAINT!I HAVE TALKED TO 2 DEALERS AND THEY SAY NO COVERAGE! 2 LETTERS TO CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAVE GONE UNANSWERED.
NHTSA complaint #10070320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE WAS AN ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER. MR SCC
NHTSA complaint #10017165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE APPEARED IN VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS. ALSO REPLACED GASKET/THERMOSTAT/RADIATOR CAP.
NHTSA complaint #10014548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING SMOKE APPEARED IN VEHICLE DUE TO DEFECTIVE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS. ALSO REPLACED GASKET/THERMOSTAT/RADIATOR CAP.
NHTSA complaint #10014548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, 001 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL, AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #785658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHIICLE HESITATED/STALLED DUE TO IGNITION PROBLEM. DT
NHTSA complaint #769653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesNixa, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8022435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesNixa, MOFire
STEERING:COLUMN
THE VEHICLES UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING AND LOSS STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE VIN# WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL92V015. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. Pitcher, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #880469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, PA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL, REVERSE, PARK, THEN STARTED LEAKING FLUIDS.
NHTSA complaint #784263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #868661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT/TURNED CAR OFF, AND 5 OR 10 MINUTES LATER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND ENGINE ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #868661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN
THE WELD ON THE REAR AXLE BROKE & IS HARD CONTROL AROUND TURNS/TEMP&SPEEDOMETER WORK ON AND OFF CAN'T FIND PROBLEM, AND DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HAD NO COMPLANTS ON ALL OF THESE THINGS.
NHTSA complaint #726603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
THE WELD ON THE REAR AXLE BROKE & IS HARD CONTROL AROUND TURNS/TEMP&SPEEDOMETER WORK ON AND OFF CAN'T FIND PROBLEM, AND DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HAD NO COMPLANTS ON ALL OF THESE THINGS.
NHTSA complaint #726603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Estill Springs, TN1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #868235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
NHTSA complaint #721215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
NHTSA complaint #721215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
VEHICLE HAS AN OUT OF BALANCE VIBRATION AND WHEEL,TIRE,AXLE,AND BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEM PERSIST. COOLING LINE CLAMPS LOOSENED AND LEAKED COOLANT
NHTSA complaint #721215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
POWER TRAIN
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #719923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
AIR BAGS
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #719923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #719923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #719923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
THE SEAL AROUND THE AIR BAG IS CRACKED. TOLD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY GLUED IT. I HAD THEM TEST DRIVE THE CAR, IN WHICH I DROVE, TO SEE IF THEY COULD TELL WHAT THE HOLLOW SOUND WAS THAT I WAS HEARING AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT COULD BE A BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT WAS GOING BAD. BUT THEN THE NEXT DAY ANOTHER GUY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE EXHAUST. I HAVE ALSO TOOK THE CAR TO GOODYEAR WHO INFORMED THE DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, FRONT STRUTS AND BACK SHOCKS AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED ONLY THE BACK SHOCKS. WHEN I DRIVE IN REVERSE, I HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM BRAKING. THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MOTOR MOUNT IN THE FRONT. THE DEALER'S MECHANIC IS ALWAYS ON THE PHONE. THE DOOR CHIME SOUNDED CONTINUOUSLY. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK YOU CAN FEEL THE CAR JERK WHILE I AM DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #719923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, AND THE SPEED SET AT 68 MPH, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. TO GAIN CONTROL, VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO NETURAL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #855815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wynnewood, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
THE RUBBER TUBING BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE ENGINE DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LEAKS, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #842948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.