What was the problem with the Plymouth Volaré?
The Plymouth Volaré’s most infamous flaw was a fuel-system design that left the tank vulnerable to rupture and ignition in rear-end crashes, making fires more likely than in many of its contemporaries.
What happened and why it mattered
Launched in the mid-1970s as a compact, affordable sedan built on a unibody platform, the Volaré quickly became a lightning rod for safety criticism. The car’s fuel system and rear-end structure were perceived as inadequately protected, raising the risk of leaks and fires after collisions. This issue touched consumer confidence, regulatory scrutiny, and the reputation of Chrysler at a pivotal moment for U.S. automakers.
The engineering flaw that sparked the controversy
To understand the problem, it helps to outline the core design decisions that critics and safety authorities targeted. The Volaré and its sibling model, the Dodge Aspen, shared a rear-mounted fuel tank and a relatively light rear structure. In the event of a rear-end crash, this configuration could allow the fuel system to be damaged more easily than in some rivals, increasing the chances of a fuel leak and, in turn, a fire. Below is a summary of the main points that emerged in public discourse and investigations.
Key elements cited by engineers and safety advocates include:
- Fuel tank location behind the rear axle with limited protective shielding, increasing vulnerability to damage in rear crashes.
- Rear-end structural design and bumper protection viewed as insufficient to absorb impact energy and shield the fuel system.
- Fuel lines and connections routed in areas susceptible to rupture during a collision, contributing to leaks.
- Unibody construction that offered limited crush space for absorbing rear-impact energy, amplifying the risk to the tank.
- After incidents and complaints, the combination of these factors led to widely reported fire hazards in rear-end collisions.
These design choices—intended to keep costs down and weight manageable—were scrutinized as part of a broader debate about automotive safety standards in the 1970s.
Design decisions that doomed the Volaré
In retrospect, the Volaré’s architecture reflected a trade-off between affordability and safety. The reliance on a lightweight unibody, the rear-mounted fuel system, and the perception that protective measures were insufficient for low-speed and high-speed rear impacts contributed to its controversial legacy. Critics argued that the car prioritized economy over robust crash protection.
Recalls, investigations, and public reaction
In the wake of safety concerns, the Volaré and its sister model faced regulatory attention and recalls aimed at reducing fuel-system risk. Reports and investigations by government agencies and consumer groups highlighted the potential for fuel leaks and fires after rear-end collisions, prompting corrective actions and heightened media scrutiny. This period cemented the Volaré as a focal point in discussions about automotive safety reform and corporate responsibility.
These actions reflected a broader push for stronger crash-test standards and consumer protections in the 1970s, with the Volaré becoming a case study in how design choices can shape a car’s long-term reputation.
- NHTSA and other safety authorities examined the vehicle’s rear-end crash performance and fuel-system integrity, contributing to public awareness of potential fire risks.
- Multiple recalls addressed fuel-tank mounting, shields, and fuel lines to reduce the likelihood of leaks and fires after collisions.
- Media coverage, consumer complaints, and congressional discussion fed into a lasting narrative about 1970s automotive safety challenges and corporate responses.
While the Volaré’s reputation for danger is often cited in retrospectives, it also sits within a broader context of a volatile era for auto safety, regulatory reform, and consumer advocacy that reshaped how manufacturers approached design and testing.
Summary
The Plymouth Volaré became synonymous with a significant safety concern: a fuel-system design that could rupture and ignite in rear-end crashes. The combination of a rear-mounted tank, limited protective shielding, and a lightweight rear structure led to recalls and public scrutiny, imprinting the Volaré in automotive history as a cautionary tale about balancing cost, weight, and safety. The episode contributed to broader regulatory and consumer-pressure changes that influenced car design for years to come.
