Summary
The Plymouth Volare has 8 recalls covering the 1975-1978 production run, with the most serious being a 1978 tilt steering column defect where a roll pin can loosen and allow the steering shaft to disengage from the column coupling, leaving the driver with no steering control.
The 1977 model has a fuel supply tube routed too close to a front crossmember bracket, where contact can wear through the tube and allow fuel to leak near ignition sources, creating a fire risk. On 1976 models, the front suspension pivot bar support plates can crack under hard use and affect the driver's ability to control the direction of the vehicle. Also on 1976 models, the secondary hood catch may not engage the striker properly, meaning if the primary latch is also not fully engaged, the hood can fly up while driving and block the driver's view entirely. The 1976 model has two brake-related issues: steel brake lines can corrode from battery acid exposure and front brake hoses can become brittle and crack in extreme cold, either of which can cause brake fluid loss and reduced stopping ability. The 1976 power brake booster, on vehicles equipped with power brakes, can contain dense silencer pads that restrict airflow into the system, slowing brake response and extending stopping distances. Going back to the earliest production, 1975-1977 models with certain 225 CID single-barrel engines, and 1976-1977 models with 225 or 318 CID two-barrel engines equipped with catalytic converters, can experience persistent stalling due to a distorted carburetor accelerator pump seal or a malfunctioning exhaust gas recirculation valve. The 1978 model also has a compliance recall for ignition timing that causes exhaust emissions to exceed Canadian standards.
