1985 Dodge Aries problems

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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.

1985 Dodge Aries

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Common 1985 Dodge Aries problems

The Dodge Aries, introduced in 1985, is known for its practicality and resilience. However, like any vehicle, it has faced several issues over the years. Here are some common problems reported by owners:

  • Electrical Issues: One of the most common problems reported is related to electrical issues. For instance, a user reported that their 1985 Dodge Aries was running entirely off the battery despite having a good connection to the alternator.
  • Battery Not Holding Charge: Some users have reported issues with the battery not holding a charge in their 1985 Dodge Aries. This could be due to a variety of factors, including a faulty battery, issues with the charging system, or even problems with the car's electrical system.
  • Idling Problems: Another common issue reported by owners is trouble with idling. One user reported that their 1985 Dodge Aries would not idle, which could be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the fuel system, ignition system, or vacuum system.
  • Fuel System Issues: Some users have reported issues with the fuel system in their 1985 Dodge Aries. For instance, one user asked how to replace the choke brake kit and where the fuel pump was located. Fuel system issues can cause a variety of problems, including poor performance, difficulty starting, and stalling.
  • Suspension Problems: Suspension problems are also common in the 1985 Dodge Aries. The largest recall of the model came in 1983, with cars invited to dealerships for troubleshooting related to suspension issues. Suspension problems can cause a variety of issues, including poor handling, difficulty steering, and a uncomfortable ride.
  • Brakes: Brakes are another common issue reported by owners of the 1985 Dodge Aries. The largest recall of the model came in 1983, with cars invited to dealerships for troubleshooting related to brakes and suspension issues. Brake problems can cause a variety of issues, including difficulty stopping, squeaking or grinding noises, and pulsating pedals.
  • Water Pump Replacement: Some users have reported difficulty replacing the water pump on their 1985 Dodge Aries. One user asked for help changing the water pump, indicating that it may be a difficult task for those without mechanical experience.
  • Vacuum Hose Diagram: Some users have reported difficulty finding a vacuum hose diagram for their 1985 Dodge Aries. This can make it difficult to diagnose and repair vacuum system issues.

In conclusion, while the 1985 Dodge Aries is known for its practicality and resilience, it has faced several common problems over the years. These include electrical issues, battery problems, idling issues, fuel system problems, suspension issues, brake problems, water pump replacement difficulties, and vacuum hose diagram unavailability.

1985 Dodge Aries engine

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.)

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.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Aries have?

Specifications for Dodge Aries 4-door 2.6 Automatic, 102hp, 1985.

What is the fastest Dodge ever?

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

A Dodge special-edition vehicle like none other, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the quickest vehicle ever produced in the brand's 100-plus-year history.

What is the Chrysler version of the Dodge Aries?

Iacocca arrived at Chrysler just as two new cars, the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant, were coming to market. Using a marketing technique known as badge engineering, the cars were identical apart from a few accessories.

What year was the Dodge Aries made?

1981

Plymouth Reliant

Dodge Aries Plymouth Reliant
Model years1981–1989
AssemblyNewark, 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)

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.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Aries have?

Specifications for Dodge Aries 4-door 2.6 Automatic, 102hp, 1985.

1985 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:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Dodge Aries complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Dodge Aries.

1998-10-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-01
  • 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
1995-04-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-02-15
  • VIN: 1B3DD49G8SS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: AT TIMES, DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT WILL NOT UNLATCH; OCCUPANT HAVE TO CRAWL OUT OF BELT; COULD CAUSE OCCUPANT TO BE TRAPPED INSIDE DURING COLLISION. TT

1985 Dodge Aries recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Dodge Aries.

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.
1984-11-21
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
  • Remedy: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
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Additional sources

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Other years of Dodge Aries

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Aries 1986
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