1988 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 1988 Dodge Aries problems
The 1988 Dodge Aries is known to have several common problems, including intermittent stalling and starting issues.
One of the most common issues reported by Dodge Aries owners is intermittent stalling, where the car dies on its own without any apparent reason and doesn't start again for a certain period of time. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including fuel system issues, electrical problems, and engine issues. In some cases, the car may act like it's running out of gas when it stalls, even if the fuel tank is full. This problem can be especially frustrating in hot weather, as it tends to occur more frequently in high temperatures.
Another common problem with the 1988 Dodge Aries is starting issues, where the car may refuse to start up in one attempt, particularly when the engine is wet. This problem can be caused by ignition issues, such as spark plug wires or cap/rotor problems.
The 1988 Dodge Aries also has a history of recalls related to several issues, including suspension problems, brakes, fuel system, equipment, electrical, engine, and lighting. The largest recall of the model came in 1983, with 4 issues related to the suspension system. The common problems for this model include suspension issues, which have been the subject of 10 recalls, and brakes, which have been the subject of 5 recalls.
In addition to these common problems, the 1988 Dodge Aries is also known to have engine problems, with some owners reporting issues such as the engine cutting out and dying.
To address these issues, Dodge Aries owners may need to replace various parts, including the fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, pickup coil, distributor cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires, and coil. However, even after replacing these parts, the problem may persist, indicating a more serious underlying issue that may require further investigation.
In summary, the 1988 Dodge Aries is known to have several common problems, including intermittent stalling, starting issues, recalls related to suspension, brakes, fuel system, equipment, electrical, engine, and lighting, and engine problems. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors and may require the replacement of various parts to address.
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.
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.
What is the strongest Dodge car?
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
20 Fast Facts of 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170:
Most powerful muscle car in the world, producing 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb. -ft. of torque. World's quickest production car, reaching 0-60 in 1.66 seconds with the highest G-force acceleration of any production car at 2.004 gs.
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.
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 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) |
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.
1988 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
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seats problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Dodge Aries complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Aries.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-15
- 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-10
- 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VEHICLES SEAT BACK COLLAPSED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B3BD46D2JF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UPONT STARTING THE VEHICLE THE RPMS INCREASED AND IN ADDITION UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDLY ACCELERATED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: 1B3BD46D8JC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DISTRIBUTOR FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF OF ASSEMBLY WHILE BEING PARKED. OWNER AWARE OF OTHER DODGE MODELS W/SIMILAR PROBLEM HAVING RECALLED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN FELL OFF OF ASSEMBLY WHILE BEING PARKED. OWNER AWARE OF OTHER DODGE MODELS W/SIMILAR PROBLEM HAVING RECALLED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-03-23
- VIN: 3B3BD41D9JT
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR AXLE CONTROL ARM LOOSENED/TORQUED, CAUSING OTHER DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *DSH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-26
- VIN: 1B3BD46D5JF
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE BROKE, CAUSING REAR WHEEL TO RUB AGAINST THE GAS TANK PIPE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT DO NOT RETRACT. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IT IS FELT THAT THEY WOULD NOT WORK. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-12
- VIN: 1B3BD49K3JF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-02
- VIN: 1B3BD49K3JF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *AK
1988 Dodge Aries recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Dodge Aries.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Aries problems:
Dodge Aries Dies Intermittantly | Allpar Forums
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May 13, 2007 ... 1988 Dodge Ram 50 - Misses terribly, and blows black exhaust until the engine warms up. I changed all the spark plugs, - Answered by a ...
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