1976 Dodge Aspen problems
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.
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Common 1976 Dodge Aspen problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Dodge Aspen 1976, several common problems plagued this car:
- Engine Breakdowns: Owners reported frequent engine breakdowns, which significantly impacted the reliability and performance of the Dodge Aspen. These breakdowns could lead to costly repairs and inconvenience for the owners.
- Seat Belt Failures: Another prevalent issue with the Dodge Aspen was seat belt failures. Malfunctioning seat belts pose a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers, highlighting a critical flaw in the car's design or manufacturing.
- Fuel Tank Leaks: Many owners experienced fuel tank leaks in their Dodge Aspen vehicles. This issue not only poses a fire hazard but also raises concerns about the overall quality and safety standards of the car.
- Corrosion of Front Fenders: Premature corrosion of the front fenders was a common complaint among Dodge Aspen owners. This rusting problem not only affected the aesthetic appeal of the car but also raised concerns about its durability and longevity.
- Hood Latching Problems: The Dodge Aspen had issues with the hood not latching properly, which could lead to safety hazards while driving. A malfunctioning hood latch compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle and poses risks to both the driver and other road users.
- Suspension and Brake Component Fatigue: Owners reported fatigue and premature wear of suspension and brake components in the Dodge Aspen. These issues could affect the handling and braking performance of the car, compromising overall safety on the road.
- Drivability Issues: The Dodge Aspen faced chronic problems with stalling and poor drivability, which significantly impacted the overall driving experience for owners. These issues could lead to frustration and safety concerns while operating the vehicle.
- Rust Problems: The Dodge Aspen was prone to rust issues, particularly in critical areas like the front fenders and undercarriage. Rust compromises the structural integrity of the car, leading to safety risks and potentially costly repairs.
These common problems with the Dodge Aspen 1976 highlight significant quality and reliability issues that plagued the vehicle, contributing to its poor reputation and eventual downfall in the market. Owners faced a multitude of challenges ranging from safety concerns to performance issues, making the Dodge Aspen a problematic car to own and maintain.
Was the Dodge Aspen a good car?
However, the Volaré and Aspen suffered from numerous quality problems, frequent product recalls, and early rusting damage that ruined the cars' reputations and hampered sales.
Is the Dodge Aspen rare?
That doesn't mean the Aspen isn't a sought-after car these days. It is surely not as expensive and rare as some of Dodge's most popular models but examples in good condition are hard to find.
What was the car of the year in the 1976 Motor Trend?
Import Car of the Year Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Datsun 280ZX |
| 1978 | Toyota Celica |
| 1977 | Mercedes-Benz 280E |
| 1976 | Toyota Celica Liftback |
How many 1978 Dodge Aspen Super Coupes were made?
531 Dodge Aspen Super Coupes
All in total, (531 Dodge Aspen Super Coupes, 494 Plymouth Volare Super Coupes, 247 Plymouth Volare Kit Cars, 145 Dodge Aspen Kit Cars) were made.
1976 Dodge Aspen car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Aspen problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1976 Dodge Aspen vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1976 Dodge Aspen complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1976 Dodge Aspen.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-16
- 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
1976 Dodge Aspen recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1976 Dodge Aspen.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1976 Dodge Aspen problems:
1978 Dodge Aspen - AACA - Library and Research Center - Antique ...
Oct 24, 2015 ... The one area that hurt the Aspen and Volare was the rusting front fender problem on the 1976-77 models. There were no inner fender shields ...
MM Retro Write-Up: 1976-1980 Plymouth Volare/Dodge Aspen ...
Nov 28, 2020 ... ... common problem in these cars...defective ballast-resistors in the electrical system. There were also a couple of recalls, the details of ...
Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen stories
Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen Stories ... It has the unkillable 318 and many of the common problems listed on this site. ... 1976 Aspen and Volare in depth ...
Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare: Great Idea, Lousy Execution
Feb 19, 2021 ... ... common stock for the first time since 1933—the 1976 Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare finally made their debut. ... Problems began to spring up ...
F-Body Coupe Rust after 1976 | Allpar Forums
Apr 24, 2018 ... The horrific rust issues on the 1976 Volare/Aspen ... What did rust out was the brake and gas lines. 1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z 2.2L 5-speed 160K ...
Other years of Dodge Aspen
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