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1989 Plymouth ReliantProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1989 Plymouth Reliant, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints75 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage42kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 14, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Plymouth Reliant has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling31
Vehicle speed control21
Service brakes, hydraulic11
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1989 Plymouth Reliant recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Plymouth.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other Reliant year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Reliant median. How we score

'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1989 Plymouth Reliant, and the recalls they led to.

  1. TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILUREEA91010 · closed Dec 31, 1991
    No recall
  2. STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSENPE91065 · closed Aug 30, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What Reliant owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE PARKED AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. *SC *JB
Complaint 10087598 · Sep 14, 2004 · 42,320 miles

Own a 1989 Reliant?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.