1982 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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Common 1982 Dodge Aries problems
The Dodge Aries, introduced in 1981, was a popular mid-size car from Chrysler Corporation. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
- Transmission Leaks: Transmission leaks were a common problem in the Dodge Aries, particularly in the A413 three-speed automatic unit. This could lead to a loss of transmission fluid, which could cause the transmission to slip, overheat, or even fail.
- Engine Timing Issues: The engine timing in the Dodge Aries could sometimes be off, leading to poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage. This could be due to worn-out timing components or other engine issues.
- Faulty Electrical Systems: The electrical systems in the Dodge Aries, including the charging system, could sometimes fail or malfunction, leading to problems like hard starting, dim headlights, or a dead battery.
- Suspension and Steering Problems: The front suspension in the Dodge Aries used struts, while the rear had coil springs and a flex beam. These components could wear out or fail over time, leading to issues like poor handling, uneven tire wear, or a bumpy ride.
- Braking Issues: The Dodge Aries used front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, which could sometimes develop issues like brake fade, brake noise, or poor pedal feel.
- Rust and Corrosion: Like many cars of its era, the Dodge Aries was susceptible to rust and corrosion, particularly in the body panels, frame, and suspension components. This could lead to structural weakness, poor ride quality, or even safety issues.
- Interior Wear and Tear: The interior of the Dodge Aries, including the seats, dashboard, and trim, could wear out or fail over time, leading to issues like torn upholstery, broken switches, or faded plastic.
- Recall Issues: The Dodge Aries was subject to several recalls over its production run, including recalls for issues like faulty fuel pumps, defective wiring, and potential fire hazards.
- General Maintenance and Upkeep: Like any car, the Dodge Aries required regular maintenance and upkeep to keep it running smoothly. This included tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and replacing worn-out parts. Neglecting these tasks could lead to more serious problems down the road.
In summary, the Dodge Aries, while a popular and capable car in its time, was not without its share of common problems. These issues, ranging from driveability issues to rust and corrosion, could lead to inconvenience, expense, and even safety concerns for owners. Regular maintenance and upkeep, as well as prompt attention to any issues that arise, can help keep a Dodge Aries running smoothly for years to come.
Was the K car reliable?
Known as the K car platform, it would become the centerpiece of Chrysler's turnaround. Not only was it less expensive to produce cars built on the same platform, they could be built more reliably with tightly focused engineering.
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.)
Is Aries a car?
The Ariès was a French automobile manufactured by La Société des Automobile Ariès in Asnières-sur-Seine. The firm was founded in 1902 by Baron Charles Petiet.
Why was the K car successful?
Thanks to the brilliant marketing by Lee Iacocca, the Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries were branded as the “Reliant K”, and the “Aries K”. American consumers knew the K car was a platform they could trust, and it ended up being one of the first cars that were known by its platform name in the mainstream.
Was the K car reliable?
Known as the K car platform, it would become the centerpiece of Chrysler's turnaround. Not only was it less expensive to produce cars built on the same platform, they could be built more reliably with tightly focused engineering.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Dodge Aries have?
1988 Dodge Aries America Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 93 horsepower, 2L NA I4 single overhead cam (SOHC) 8V engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 22 MPG in city and 30 MPG on highway.
Who made the Aries car?
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.
Is Aries a car?
The Ariès was a French automobile manufactured by La Société des Automobile Ariès in Asnières-sur-Seine. The firm was founded in 1902 by Baron Charles Petiet.
1982 Dodge Aries car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Aries problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Other problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Dodge Aries complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Dodge Aries.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-10
- VIN: 1B3BD49B0CF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: CARBURETOR COIL FAILED. *DH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1B3BD49B0CF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-10
- VIN: 1B3BD49B0CF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS LINE FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-08
- VIN: 1B3BD46B1CC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: K FRAME IS RUSTED, CAUSING ERRATIC STEERING. *SKD
1982 Dodge Aries recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1982 Dodge Aries.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY CORRODE AND FAIL AT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR PIVOT MOUNTS IF OPERATED WHERE SALT IS USED TO AID IN SNOW REMOVAL.
- Consequence: CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BAY BE EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING AN EXCESS OF WATER.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE BRAKE FLUID WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: CLAMP BOLTS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THESE BOLTS MAY BREAK THROUGH, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH BALL JOINT STUD CLAMP BOLTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Dodge Aries problems:
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