PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE (1987–1994)
TroubleAtlas Score
PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE (1987–1994) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 1987–1994 · all production years covered on this single page
2.5L I4 • Gasoline
1994
🚗 Plymouth SUNDANCE 1994
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994) is powered by a 2.5L I4 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (20)
NHTSA 89V237000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
Date: 27/12/1989
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
NHTSA 89V237000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
Date: 27/12/1989
THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
NHTSA 96V229000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 18/11/1996
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA 96V229000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 18/11/1996
THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA 08E033000
Suspension
Date: 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FO…
NHTSA 08E033000
Suspension
Date: 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FO…
NHTSA 08E033000
Suspension
Date: 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FO…
NHTSA 08E033000
Suspension
Date: 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FO…
NHTSA 92V015000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 14/02/1992
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
NHTSA 92V053000
Seat Belts
Date: 13/04/1992
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA 92V053000
Seat Belts
Date: 13/04/1992
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS CAN MALFUNCTION AND BECOME INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA 97V078000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 10/05/1997
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 97V078000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 10/05/1997
THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 99V212000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 06/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 99V212000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 06/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 99V212000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 06/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 99V212000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 06/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER SEAT BACK ATTACHING BOLT ON THE DRIVER SEAT CAN FAIL AND SEPARATE.
NHTSA 90V162000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Date: 04/09/1990
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TORQUED AND COULD LOOSEN.
NHTSA 88V129000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Date: 01/08/1988
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LAP BELT RETRACTOR, WHICH INCORPORATES A CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKING FEATURE, MAY MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA 88V105000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 01/07/1988
FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
289 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Plymouth Sundance across model years 1987–1994. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
42 crash reports 21 fires 51 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199354
Model year 199453
Model year 199240
Model year 199037
Model year 198933
Model year 199131
Model year 198829
Model year 198712
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling39
Air Bags38
Seats34
Seat Belts30
Structure24
Suspension22
Sample reports
ENGINE HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED; ALSO REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING/LEFT WHEEL CYLINDER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. *AK (MY 1988)
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS. SOMETHING IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BROKE, AND THE GLASS FEL INTO THE CAR. IN ADDITION , IT'S HARD TO ROLL THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CON… (MY 1994)
AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING ON LIGHT COVER SNOW STREET, GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK (MY 1993)
VEHICLE STRUCK POTHOLE CAUSING DRIVER'S FACE TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IMMEDIATELY BUT DID DEPLOY SECONDS LATER, FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. (MY 1992)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1987–1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Plymouth Sundance have any safety recalls?
Yes — 20 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, SERVICE BRAKES. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Plymouth Sundance?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Plymouth Sundance?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Plymouth Sundance?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Plymouth Sundance?
Yes — 20 of 225 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “DRIVING WHEN IT ACTED LIKE IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS NO POWER, WENT FROM 35 TO 20 MPH THEN STARTED SMOKING AS I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. WENT TO GET HELP BUT NO ONE WAS AT WORK, MEN NEXT DOOR NOTI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are steering problems common on the Plymouth Sundance?
Yes — 26 of 225 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “ENGINE HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED; ALSO REPLACED RACK AND PINION STEERING/LEFT WHEEL CYLINDER AND OXYGEN SENSOR. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Plymouth Sundance?
Yes — 36 of 225 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL CRASH AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER THE COLLISION HAD TAKEN PLACE. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN OWNER. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Plymouth Sundance (1987–1994)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.