Dodge Aspen problems

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The Dodge Aspen, and the nearly-identical Plymouth Volaré, are compact cars that were produced from 1976 until 1980. The Volaré/Aspen model line offered a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a four-door wagon.

During the time that the Volaré and the Aspen were produced, North American automakers were actively "downsizing" their lineups, reducing size and weight for improved fuel economy. For that reason, the rear-wheel-drive Volaré and the Aspen were originally classified as compact cars, but were considered intermediate-sized cars by the end of their production run.

The Volaré/Aspen were discontinued following the 1980 model year just prior to the introduction of the front-wheel-drive Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries, known collectively as K-cars.

photo of Dodge Aspen car production

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Dodge Aspen model years

dodge aspen 1976 photo
Aspen 1976
Dodge

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Common Dodge Aspen problems

The Dodge Aspen, introduced in 1976, quickly became popular due to its roominess, comfort, and attractive pricing. However, the car suffered from numerous quality issues that significantly impacted its reputation.

One of the most common problems was chronic stalling and poor drivability, which led to a horrible reputation for the Aspen. This issue, coupled with new premature rusting problems, caused a significant decline in sales for the model.

In 1977, Chrysler was forced to recall 1,300,000 vehicles due to drivability problems with the Volaré and Aspen models.

The Aspen's poor quality was so severe that it received the Lemon of the Year award from the Center for Auto Safety, the consumer watchdog group founded by Ralph Nader.

Engine and transmission problems were also common, especially during the early years of production. Chrysler fixed most of the issues for the 1978, 1979, and 1980 model years, but it was already too late to save the Aspen's reputation.

The Aspen's poor quality led to its cancellation, along with the Volare, after the duo became the most recalled automotive product at the time thanks to its poor quality.

In summary, the Dodge Aspen suffered from numerous quality issues, including chronic stalling, poor drivability, premature rusting, engine and transmission problems, and a poor build quality that led to numerous recalls. These issues significantly impacted the Aspen's reputation and ultimately led to its cancellation.

Dodge Aspen

Is the Chrysler Aspen a good car?

The Aspen offers imposing looks, spacious interior, good ride, and ample towing capacity when properly equipped. A hybrid version is also available.

Why was Chrysler Aspen discontinued?

The Aspen was discontinued after 2009. The airbag inflators could rupture, injuring or killing vehicle occupants. The vehicles don't comply with federal safety standards.

What is the electrical problem with the 2007 Chrysler Aspen?

The 2007 Chrysler aspen electrical problems are dead battery and faulty alternator. You will come into nasty problems with the battery during the life cycle of the car. The battery can drain rapidly and will need to fixed. There can be a leak, causing the fluid to spill all over the place.

How many miles per gallon does a Chrysler Aspen get?

Find and Compare Cars

2007 Chrysler Aspen 4WD
Personalize Find a carFlex-Fuel Vehicle 8 cyl, 4.7 L, Automatic 5-spd Compare
Fuel Economy
EPA MPGRegular Gas 14 combined city/highway MPG 12 city 17 highway 7.1 gals/100 miles E85 10 combined city/highway MPG 8 city 12 highway 10.0 gal/100mi

Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Aspen years

We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Aspen cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Dodge Aspen model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Aspen model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Aspen years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Dodge Aspen car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Aspen , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems

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

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Aspen . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Aspen vehicles.

List of Dodge Aspen complaints

Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-10-16
  • Date Complaint: 2007-01-10
  • VIN: NH29C6B1797
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO HONOR ITS RECALLS ON MY 1976 DODGE ASPEN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. ONE RECALL IN PARTICULAR HAS TO DO WITH REPLACING THE FRONT END BRAKES LINES. LAST NIGHT MY BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THE LINES ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TALKED TO SOMEONE LAST SEPTEMBER WHO SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING SINCE. I ORIGINALLY CONTACTED THEM IN DECEMBER OF 2005. THEY RESEARCHED THE RECALLS AND TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO GET FIXED. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT. THAT WAS OVER A YEAR AGO. CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE CHRYSLER IS NOT ANSWERING MY E-MAILS. I AM LOSING MY PATIENCE WITH THIS. I NEED HELP. *JB

Latest 5 recalls Dodge Aspen

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Dodge Aspen.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1978-05-01
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
  • Summary: POSSIBLE FATIGUE FAILURE CAN OCCUR IN THE FRAME SUPPORT PLATES (FRONT SUSPENSION PIVOT BAR SUPPORT PLATE) THAT CONNECTS A PORTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT SUPPORT PLATES FOR INDICATIONS OF FAILURE AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE PLATES. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BRACKETS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO REINFORCE THE SUPPORT PLATE AT THE PIVOT BAR ATTACHMENTS.
  • Model: Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1977-12-28
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
  • Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP SEAL CAN BECOME DISTORTED DUE TO CONTACT WITH CERTAIN TYPES OF GASOLINE. NORMALLY, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE ACCELERATOR PUMP IS ACTIVATED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL GASOLINE REQUIRED FOR ACCELERATION. A DISTORTED SEAL HOWEVER, MAY PREVENT THE PUMP FROM DELIVERING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP SEAL WITH A NEW SEAL HAVING IMPROVED DISTORTION RESISTANCE AND WILL ENSURE PROPER ADJUSTMENT. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
  • Model: Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1977-12-28
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
  • Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE HOOD SECONDARY CATCH SYSTEM MAY BE MISALIGNED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY CATCH TO MALFUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE HOOD MAY NOT BE SECURELY LATCHED.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL ADJUST THE CATCH SYSTEM TO FULLY SECURE THE HOOD, WITHOUT CHARGE.
  • Model: Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1977-10-25
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COULD OCCUR DUE TO FRONT WHEEL BRAKE LINE TUBE CORROSION. FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK DUE TO PROLONGED OPERATION IN COLD TEMPERATURES.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HOSES IF FOUND NECESSARY AND IN ADDITION, WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD BETWEEN THE BATTERY THERMO-GUARD AND THE TUBES TO PREVENT CORROSION.
  • Model: Dodge Aspen 1976
  • Report Received Date: 1977-02-09
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE PRESSURE PLACARDS INCORRECTLY SPECIFY THE FRONT TIRE PRESSURE FOR MAXIMUM LOAD CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT, TIRES COULD FAIL DUE TO OVERLOADING.
  • Remedy: THE OWNER WILL BE SENT THE CORRECT PLACARD AND HAS THE OPTION OF INSTALLING IT HIM/HERSELF OR HAVING THE DEALER INSTALL IT, FREE OF CHARGE.

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