Dodge Aries problems
The Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries are mid size cars introduced for model year 1981 as the first "K-cars" manufactured and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation. The Reliant and Aries were the smallest cars to have the traditional 6 passenger 2 bench seat with column shifter seating arrangement favored by customers in the United States (Chrysler marketed the car as being able to seat "six Americans"), similar to larger rear-wheel drive cars such as the Dodge Dart and other front-wheel drive cars such as the Chevrolet Celebrity. The Reliant was powered by a then-new 2.2 L I4 SOHC engine, with a Mitsubishi "Silent Shaft" 2.6 L as an option (this engine also featured hemispherical combustion chambers, and all 1981 models equipped with it featured "HEMI" badges on the front fenders). The Reliant was available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, or as a 4-door station wagon, in three different trim lines: base, Custom and SE ("Special Edition"). Station wagons came only in Custom or SE trim.
As rebadged variants, the Reliant and Aries were manufactured in Newark, Delaware, Detroit, Michigan, and Toluca, Mexico — in a single generation. After their introduction, the Reliant and Aries were marketed as the "Reliant K" and "Aries K". The Aries was sold as the Dart K in Mexico, and as the Michigan in Japan. The Reliant replaced the Plymouth Volaré/Road Runner, while the Aries replaced the Dodge Aspen.
The Reliant and Aries were selected together as Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1981. Initial sales were brisk, with both Reliant and Aries each selling over 150,000 units in 1981, with cumulative sales of million Aries and 1.1 million Reliant units over the nine-year run.
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Dodge Aries model years
Common Dodge Aries problems
The Dodge Aries, a popular car from the 1980s, has several common issues that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned problems:
- Carburetor issues: The Dodge Aries is equipped with an electronically controlled feedback two barrel carburetor, which can be prone to driveability issues, particularly when the engine is cold.
- Transmission leaks: The Dodge Aries' transmission can leak at a good rate, which can be a significant issue if not addressed promptly.
- Engine timing problems: The Aries' engine timing may be off, which can lead to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Suspension and steering issues: The Dodge Aries' suspension is softly sprung and does not handle well when pushed hard around corners. The steering can also be unresponsive, making the car difficult to control at high speeds or in tight turns.
- Rust: The Dodge Aries is prone to rust, particularly in areas that are exposed to winter road salt and moisture. Rust can affect the car's structural integrity and reduce its value.
- Electrical issues: Some Dodge Aries owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, including problems with the battery and charging system.
These issues can be frustrating for Dodge Aries owners, but many of them can be addressed with routine maintenance and repairs. It is important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Was the Chrysler K car a good car?
The K-Car platform had two key virtues that made it an overnight sensation when it first appeared on the market in 1981: It was reliable, and it was cheap.
What year did the Dodge Aries come out?
1981
1981–1989 Dodge Aries (often referred to as the Aries K, owing to strong publicity for the K cars; 1981 models are badged as such.)
What car company made the Aries?
the Chrysler Corporation
The Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries are mid size cars introduced for model year 1981 as the first "K-cars" manufactured and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation.
Are Chrysler engines reliable?
The Hemi engine is renowned for its power and durability. It's a great choice for performance vehicles, as it can provide plenty of power for acceleration and can handle tough terrain. It's also reliable, and with proper maintenance, it can last for years.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Aries years
We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Aries cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge Aries model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Aries model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Aries years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Dodge Aries car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Aries , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Aries model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Aries model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Aries model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 60 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Aries . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Aries vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Dodge Aries 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2004-06-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B3BD36DXHC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FUMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Dodge Aries 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-02-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. ALSO, THE 4 BOLTS THAT HELD TRANSMISSION IN PLACE FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Dodge Aries 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-02-17
- VIN: 1B3BD36DXHC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TWO OF THE FRONT LOWER MOTOR MOUNTS WERE MISSING, AND THE OTHER TWO WERE LOOSE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO VIBRATE. *AK
Dodge Aries 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2002-05-16
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, OPENED HOOD AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING FROM THE ELECTRICAL WIRES NEAR THE FUEL INJECTION, VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TS *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS****761962
Dodge Aries 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-10
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-20
- VIN: 1B3BD46K6JF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAD A MECHANICS SHOP REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLEY AND IT KEEPS COMING LOOSE FROM THE FRAME, WHEN I GO AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WHANTS TO STRAIHGTEN OUT AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED AS MUCN AS 45 DEGREES TO MAINTAIN PROPER CONTROL. WHEN THE ROAD STRAITENS OUT THE STEERING WHEEL ALWAYS ENDS UP IN A DIFFERENT POSITION.*AK
Dodge Aries 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-31
- Date Complaint: 2002-03-09
- VIN: 1B3BD49CXEF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dodge Aries 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-09
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE DRIVEN SINCE INCIDENT. *CJ
Dodge Aries 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2000-12-14
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER REPLACED DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS(CAR QUEST BRAND) IN 1999, ON JUNE 25, 2000 CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH PARTS AGAIN DUE TO GRINDING AND DAMAGED COMPONENTS, CONSUMER FEELS THE INSTALLED PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE RESULTING IN FAILURE THE FOLLOWING YEAR. *MJS
Dodge Aries 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-08-07
- VIN: 1B3BK49B3BF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dodge Aries 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-31
- VIN: 1B3BK56D4BF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT LOWER CROSS SUSPENSION IS CORRODED, TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED AN ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKET.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD SAFETY RECALL (89V-052) ON CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER DUE TO ROAD SALT USED FOR SNOW REMOVAL. BUT THE CUSTOMER SAYS CORROSION OCCURED DUE TO A/C WATER DISCHARGING ON TO REAR PIVOT MOUNTS. *YH
Dodge Aries 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-04-07
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dodge Aries 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-10-15
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MOM HANDED THE CAR OVER TO ME WITH 58,000 MILES AND SAID SHE ALWAYS HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GETTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK ESPECIALLLY ON AN INCLINE. I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS AS WELL AND HAD THE CABLE REPLACED IN THE SPRING OF LAST YEAR. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH DODGES AND SUGGESTED I APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE I PUT IT INTO PARK. AT $160. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM SOLVED UNTIL IT STARTED AGAIN, THIS TIME STRANDING ME IN A PARKING LOT SEVERAL MILES FROM HOME. THE REPAIR THIS TIME WAS DONE AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. UPON RECEIPT, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS NO GUARANTEE ON THIS AS IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH DODGE FOR YEARS. THE "REPAIR " LASTED ONE DAY. I AM PRESENTLY USING THE CAR AND AT MY DESTINATION I APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE KEYS REMAIN IN THE COLUMN. I HAVE TO KEEP ANOTHER SET OF KEYS ON ME TO LET MYSELF INTO THE CAR. NOT GOOD. MY MOM PURCHASED A 1999 DODGE STRATUS AND GUESS WHAT? SHE HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL LETTERS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEMS IN THE NEW DODGES. I WOULD THINK THEY COULD GET IT RIGHT AFTER 12 YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME, I WANTED TO GIVE MY DAUGHTER THE CAR, BUT DON'T FEEL VERY CONFIDENT OR SAFE IN PASSING THE PROBLEM ON THE HER.
Dodge Aries 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-01
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-07
- VIN: 1B3D41D9F62
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER CAN TURN OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Dodge Aries 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-08
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLES SEAT BACK COLLAPSED.
Dodge Aries 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-22
- VIN: 3B3BKY1D9KT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. MJS
Latest 5 recalls Dodge Aries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 22 recalls for different components of the Dodge Aries.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Dodge Aries 1988
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Dodge Aries 1985
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Dodge Aries 1984
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Dodge Aries 1987
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Model: Dodge Aries 1989
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Are you having problems with your Dodge Aries?
