PLYMOUTH LASER (1990–1994)
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PLYMOUTH LASER (1990–1994) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1990–1994 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 Turbo • Gasoline
1994
🚗 Plymouth LASER 1994
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Plymouth Laser (1990–1994) — 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 Laser (1990–1994) 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 Laser (1990–1994) is powered by a 2.0L I4 Turbo 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 (8)
NHTSA 89V128000
Electrical System › Wiring
Date: 31/07/1989
WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLAMPS MAY BREAK DUE TO THE STRESS CREATED BY THE HEADLAMP POP UP DEVICES.
NHTSA 95V103003
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 24/05/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
NHTSA 95V103003
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 24/05/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
NHTSA 90V056001
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Date: 21/03/1990
OPERATION OF SUNROOF IN "NON-STANDARD" MANNER MAY CAUSE MALE HINGE DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE ROOF HINGE RECEIVER.
NHTSA 98V069002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 07/04/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
NHTSA 98V069002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 07/04/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
NHTSA 98V069002
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Date: 07/04/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
NHTSA 90V106001
Visibility › Windshield
Date: 01/06/1990
DILUTED PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE WINDSHIELD OPENING FLANGES PRIOR TO WINDSHIELD GLASS INSTALLATION WHICH WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RETENTION REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
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)
114 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Plymouth Laser across model years 1990–1994. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
5 crash reports 2 fires 5 injuries 1 death
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199235
Model year 199130
Model year 199029
Model year 199316
Model year 19944
Most reported components (all years)
Power Train28
Engine And Engine Cooling25
Seat Belts18
Structure11
Electrical System9
Service Brakes7
Sample reports
AMY PHILLIPS IS THE VEHICLE OWNER. REPAIR SHOP CALLED IN TO REPORT THAT TRANSMISSION BELL HOUSING BROKE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE TRANSMISSION TO THE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. VEHICL… (MY 1992)
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, VEHICLE STALLS, ECM FAILURE. (MY 1991)
BRAKES ARE VERY LOUD. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. TT (MY 1991)
LEFT POPUP HEADLIGHT FAILS ABOUT 60% OF TIME TO POP UP. *AK (MY 1990)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Plymouth Laser have any safety recalls?
Yes — 8 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Plymouth Laser?
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 Laser?
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 Laser?
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 steering problems common on the Plymouth Laser?
Yes — 7 of 89 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “TIMING BELT CUT OFF. COMPLETE POWER SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY AT A 65 MILES/ HOUR ZONE, INCLUDING STEERING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ALMOST RESULTING IN THE INJURY AND DEATH OF THE D…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are transmission problems common on the Plymouth Laser?
Yes — 11 of 89 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “THE GEAR IS THREADED IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE SHAFT ,AND HAS THE ABLITY TO COME OFF, AND DAMAGE THE ENGINE ENOUGH TO NEED REPLACEMENT. TT…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Plymouth Laser?
Yes — 19 of 89 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT BROKE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. NLM *YH…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Plymouth Laser (1990–1994)?
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 Laser (1990–1994) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Plymouth Laser (1990–1994) 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.
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