1989 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 1989 Dodge Aries problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 Dodge Aries, common problems with this car include:
- Vapor Lock Issues: Vapor lock problems have been noted, potentially caused by issues such as bad gas, a faulty gas cap, problems with the purge valve near the emissions canister, or issues with the emissions canister itself. Vapor lock can lead to stalling and difficulties in restarting the vehicle, especially in hot weather conditions.
- Electrical System Concerns: Some owners have experienced issues with the electrical system, particularly related to the power steering pump, lines, and rack. Replacing these components can be a common maintenance task for Dodge Aries owners to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
- Suspension and Brake Components: Complaints have been made about the suspension system, with owners mentioning the need to replace struts, front brakes, rotors, calipers, and hoses. Ensuring the proper maintenance and replacement of these components is crucial for the safety and performance of the Dodge Aries.
- General Wear and Tear: Given the age of the vehicle, general wear and tear issues are common. Owners may encounter challenges related to the overall condition of the car, including the engine, transmission, and other mechanical components. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to address these issues and ensure the longevity of the Dodge Aries.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1989 Dodge Aries, prospective buyers and current owners can be better informed about the potential issues they may encounter with this vehicle. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these problems and ensure a smoother driving experience with the Dodge Aries.
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.
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 oldest Dodge car?
The Dodge 30-35 was the first car produced by Dodge, introduced on November 14, 1914 and manufactured in Detroit, Michigan. The car had an L-head inline-four engine of 212-cubic-inch (3.5 L) displacement, which had a power output of 35 hp (26 kW).
Is the Dodge 2.4 a good engine?
The FCA 2.4 TigerShark is standard in many vehicles, including the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Renegade, and the discontinued Dodge Dart. It's a reasonably decent engine with higher-than-average reliability and fuel economy scores, but the redesign during the Fiat-Chrysler merger has introduced a few lingering issues.
How long will a 2.4 L engine last?
With proper oil changes and maintenance, a 2.4L TigerShark engine should last between 130,000 and 200,000 miles. However, the oil consumption issues and piston ring failures can severely limit the lifespan of these engines before they need significant repair or fail completely.
Why does the 2.4 Tigershark burn oil?
Control rings at the top of the piston sidewall prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber but a defect in the Tigershark engine means the piston rings don't work correctly with the cylinders. This allows oil to enter and burn off in the compression cycle.
How good is a 4 cylinder engine?
4-cylinder engines tend to be fuel-efficient and are a great buy if you are looking for a small and reliable car. 4-cylinder engines have less of an impact on your carbon footprint than a 6-cylinder engine. 4-cylinder engines are commonly found in smaller, compact cars, which are easier to maneuver and park.
1989 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Aries vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Dodge Aries complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Aries.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-23
- 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
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B3BKY1D9KT
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PAINT SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE IS IS PEELING OFF THE VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3B3BK46D5KT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE PUSH BUTTON RELEASE IS INOPERATIVE, SEAT BELT BUCKLE WON'T DETACH, ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE BUCKLE PLASTIC COVER HAS FALLEN OFF. *AK CONSUMER WAS STUCK IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, IT WOULD NOT DETACH, CONSUMER HAD TO WIGGLE OUT OF IT, CONSUMER STATES BELTS DO NOT RETRACT WHEN NOT IN USE. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-10
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED 2 TIMES. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B3BK46D4KC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE RACES FOR NO REASON WITHOUT FOOT BEING ON ACCELERATOR. PLEASE DESCIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-07
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, UNABLE TO UNLATCH SEAT BELT BUCKLE. TT CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS HAS BEEN SOLVED DEALER WILL REPLACED THE WARRANTY IS 1 YEAR OR 12,000 MILES.*JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1B3BK46D5KC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST BRIGHTNESS. *SKD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER/PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELTS WILL NOT PROPERLY RETRACT FOR OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-23
- VIN: 1B3BK46K3KC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE PERIODICALLY GOES AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 30-40MPH SURGING, FAILING TO STOP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REPAIRED 3 TIMES. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-23
- VIN: 1B3BK46K3KC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE PERIODICALLY GOES AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 30-40MPH SURGING, FAILING TO STOP WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REPAIRED 3 TIMES. TT
1989 Dodge Aries recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
- Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Dodge Aries problems:
1989 Dodge Aries Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jul 26, 2013 ... Faults: Rear wheel cylinder leaked and needed replaced. Seat belts won't retract. Windshield washer squirts are clogged. Bottom of rear quarter ...
Dodge Aries Dies Intermittantly | Allpar Forums
Aug 11, 2014 ... Common area problems for vapor lock are bad gas, a bad gas cap, purge valve near the emissions canister, or the emissions canister itself.
Chrysler K Car Memories? - Airliners.net
My first car I ever bought was a blue 1989 Dodge Aries ... Very common problem with those. Mines caught ... I am surprised to hear of the problems ...
How reliable was the Chrysler k car? - Quora
Nov 3, 2018 ... ... (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant) were average in reliability for their time ... engine issues and a blown motor was a fairly common problem.
The Chrysler K-Car Club • View topic - Dodge Stalls on Cold Start?
Dec 15, 2010 ... Car Information: Dodge Aries K 1988 ... » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:31 pm. AIS inop, dirty T/Body. Common problem that should be addressed more in what ...
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