Model year guide

1991 Plymouth Laser

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1991 Plymouth Laser is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1991 Plymouth Laser — representative photo
Representative photo

1991 Plymouth Laser at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints38
Combined19–24 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1991 Plymouth Laser recalls 1

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #95V103003 · 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.

Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SU…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1991 Plymouth Laser common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1991 Plymouth Laser safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1991 Plymouth Laser 2-DR. Hatchback. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1991 Plymouth Laser MPG & running costs

Combined19–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,367
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume81 cu ft
Cargo volume10 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,833 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1991 Plymouth Laser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,835
Fuel only$16,835
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
170.5 in
Width
66.5 in
Height
51.6 in
Wheelbase
97.2 in
Curb weight
2,524 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1991 Plymouth Laser. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP Closed

NHTSA #EA98002 · Wheels · opened Jan 1998 · closed Apr 1998

HOOD FLY-UP Closed

NHTSA #PE94074 · Structure · opened Oct 1994 · closed Feb 1995

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 8

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

Bulletin 0800600REV · Electrical System · Dec 2000

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 230800 · Seats · Mar 2000

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

Bulletin 080600 · Electrical System · Feb 2000

SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS

Bulletin 233599REVA · Structure · Oct 1999

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 233599 · Seats · Sep 1999

AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC

Bulletin 9709169738A · Air Bags · Sep 1997

DOOR GLASS ADJUSTMENT. *TW

Bulletin 232293 · Visibility · Apr 1993

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LASER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1991 Plymouth Laser. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Powertrain

NOTE: ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. OIL FILL VARIATIONS DURING THE INITIAL OIL FILL PROCESS OF THE TRANSFER CASE COULD RESULT IN LOW LEVELS OF LUBRICATION, SUBSEQUENTLY RESULTING IN POSSIBLE SEIZURE AND WHEEL LOCK UP. CORRECTION: TRANSFER CASE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR LOW FLUID LEVEL AND LEAKS FROM THE REAR YOKE PLUG, AND REPAIRED AS NECESSARY.

Transport Canada #1998088 · May 1998

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the (takata) ABS plastic front seat belt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seat belt buckles will be repaired or replaced a…

Transport Canada #1995087 · May 1995

Emissions

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0 LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. - OXYGEN SENSOR MAY FAIL - CORRECTION: OXYGEN SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION.

Transport Canada #1992038 · Apr 1992

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Plymouth Laser

The Plymouth Laser is a two-door 2+2 sports coupe sold by Plymouth from 1989 until 1994. The Laser and its siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, were the first vehicles produced under the newly-formed Diamond-Star Motors, a joint venture between the Chrysler Corporation and the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1991 Plymouth Laser vehicles on record

1991 Plymouth Laser 1991 Plymouth Laser4P3CS44R9ME135847 1991 Plymouth Laser 1991 Plymouth Laser4P3CS44U6ME000927 1991 Plymouth Laser 1991 Plymouth Laser4P3CS34T1NE031327

Other Plymouth Laser model years

1992 1990

1991 Plymouth Laser — frequently asked questions

Does the 1991 Plymouth Laser have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1991 Plymouth Laser. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Plymouth Laser?

Across all 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, engine and engine cooling, electrical system.

What is the 1991 Plymouth Laser safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1991 Plymouth Laser crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Plymouth Laser get?

The 1991 Plymouth Laser has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.