1983 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 1983 Dodge Aries problems
The Dodge Aries, introduced in 1981, was part of the K-car family of vehicles that were known for their reliability and versatility. However, as with any vehicle, there are some common problems that owners of the 1983 Dodge Aries have reported.
One of the most common issues with the 1983 Dodge Aries is related to the head gasket in the early version of the 2.2 engine. This engine was used in many of the K-car derivatives, and while it was generally reliable, it was prone to head gasket problems. This issue can cause coolant to leak, which can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another problem that has been reported by owners of the 1983 Dodge Aries is related to the carburetor. The carburetor in the Aries is electronically controlled and can be afflicted with driveability issues, especially when the engine is cold. This can make starting the car in cold weather more difficult and can also affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
The 2.6 liter Mitsubishi "Hemi" engine, which was available in some models of the Aries, has also been reported to have issues. This engine was known for having problems with the timing chain tensioner, which can cause the engine to run poorly or even fail altogether.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1983 Dodge Aries, like many vehicles of its era, may require regular maintenance and repairs to keep it running smoothly. This can include tasks such as changing the plugs and wires, checking the battery, and inspecting the cooling system.
Overall, while the 1983 Dodge Aries is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle, it is important for owners to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
Was the 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.)
Who made the car 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.
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.
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 was the Dodge Aries made?
1981
Plymouth Reliant
| Dodge Aries Plymouth Reliant | |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1981–1989 |
| Assembly | Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly), United States (sedans and wagons) Detroit, Michigan (Jefferson Avenue Assembly), United States Fenton, Missouri (Saint Louis Assembly), United States (2-door sedans only) Toluca, Mexico (Toluca Car Assembly) |
Who made the car Aries?
Foreign the Dodge Aries produced by Chrysler Corporation from 1981 to 1989 succeeded the Dodge Aspen as a mid-sized family car with front-wheel drive deviating. From the compact car Norm despite. Its
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.
1983 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:
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Dodge Aries complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Dodge Aries.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-04
- VIN: 1B3BD26C0DF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WANDERS DURING SHIFTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *DSH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-15
- VIN: 1B3BD26C4DF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT CONTROL ARMS FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-15
- VIN: 1B3BD26C4DF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *SKD
1983 Dodge Aries recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 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:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: LOCATION OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE TO BOTH REAR WHEELS CAUSES INTERFERENCE AND CHAFING BETWEEN THE TUBES AND REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM PIVOT BRACKETS.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBES AND REROUTE TO ENSURE PROPER TUBE TO PIVOT BRACKET CLEARANCE. ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBING ROUTED TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN BENT OUT OF SHAPE DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD CHAFE AGAINST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HANGER BOLT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE TUBE, IF NECESSARY. A RETAINING CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FOR THE TUBING; ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE COULD CAUSE IT TO CHAFE AGAINST THE PARK BRAKE CABLES. EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE TUBE MAY FAIL AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REROUTE THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Dodge Aries problems:
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