1988 Dodge Omni problems
The Dodge Omni and the nearly identical badge engineered variant, the Plymouth Horizon, is a subcompact car manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Corporation for model years 1978-1990. The first Chrysler model line produced with front-wheel drive, the Omni and Horizon were also the first front-wheel drive economy cars assembled in the United States. Marketed for eleven years with very few changes, around 2,500,000 Omnis and Horizons were manufactured, with the Plymouth variants more popular than the Dodge-branded models.
The first (and only) world car designed by Chrysler, the model line originated from a design of Chrysler Europe (who developed the namesake Chrysler Horizon). While visually similar, the American Omni/Horizon would have extensive functional differences from its European counterpart, primarily to accommodate US marketing and regulatory requirements.
From 1977 to 1990, Chrysler manufactured the Omni and Horizon at its Belvidere Assembly Plant facility (Belvidere, Illinois); from 1987 to 1989, the model line was manufactured under contract by American Motors Corporation (AMC) at its own facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From 1987 to 1990, the model line was marketed alongside its successor, the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance hatchback sedan.
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Common 1988 Dodge Omni problems
The 1988 Dodge Omni has several common problems that owners have reported, including issues with the engine stalling, revving up while idling, and oil pressure.
One of the most common problems is the engine stalling, especially within the first 10 minutes of driving. This issue can occur regardless of the amount of fuel in the tank, and the throttle position does not seem to matter. The engine stalls completely, as if the ignition switch was turned off, and the other electronics continue to function normally. The problem disappears once the engine reaches operating temperature and reappears when the car cools down. This issue could be caused by a weak and intermittent fuel pump, defective fuel injector relay, or a problem with the ECU or throttle body assembly.
Another common problem is the engine revving up to 4000 RPMs while idling. This issue can occur at random times and is not necessarily related to a specific cause. However, it is important to note that this problem can be caused by issues with the throttle position sensor, idle air control valve, or vacuum leaks.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with oil pressure, with some reporting non-existent oil pressure. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty oil pump, low oil levels, or issues with the oil pressure sensor.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the vacuum lines, which can become brittle and fall apart over time. This issue can cause a variety of problems, including engine stalling, rough idling, and poor performance.
In summary, the 1988 Dodge Omni has several common problems, including engine stalling, revving up while idling, oil pressure issues, and vacuum line problems. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors and may require extensive repairs to resolve.
Did the Dodge Omni have a VW engine?
For 1985, Chrysler had planned to build a "fast-burn, high-swirl" 1.8-liter four for the Omni as well as K-cars, but these plans also stalled. Engine built by Volkswagen in Germany and supplied to Chrysler.
How much horsepower does a Dodge Omni have?
| Dodge Omni | |
|---|---|
| Dodge | |
| Engines | 1.6L (98 cid) I4 (1983-1986) 1.7L (105 cid) I4 (1978-1982) 2.2L (135 cid) I4 (1981-1990) 2.2L (135 cid) Turbo I4 (1984-1986) |
| Power | 64-176 hp |
| Similar | Plymouth Horizon |
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni have?
Built just for model years 1984 through 1986, the Omni GLH packed a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 146 horsepower, which made for good performance given that the car weighed 2,200lbs.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Omni have?
Specifications for Dodge Omni 2.2 94hp, 1989.
Did the Dodge Omni have a VW engine?
For 1985, Chrysler had planned to build a "fast-burn, high-swirl" 1.8-liter four for the Omni as well as K-cars, but these plans also stalled. Engine built by Volkswagen in Germany and supplied to Chrysler.
How much horsepower does a Dodge Omni have?
| Dodge Omni | |
|---|---|
| Dodge | |
| Engines | 1.6L (98 cid) I4 (1983-1986) 1.7L (105 cid) I4 (1978-1982) 2.2L (135 cid) I4 (1981-1990) 2.2L (135 cid) Turbo I4 (1984-1986) |
| Power | 64-176 hp |
| Similar | Plymouth Horizon |
How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni have?
Built just for model years 1984 through 1986, the Omni GLH packed a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 146 horsepower, which made for good performance given that the car weighed 2,200lbs.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Omni have?
Specifications for Dodge Omni 2.2 94hp, 1989.
1988 Dodge Omni car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Omni problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Dodge Omni vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Dodge Omni complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Dodge Omni.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-08
- VIN: 1B3BZ18D1JY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: K FRAME ROTTED ON LEFT SIDE, CAUSING ENGINE TO STUMBLE AT LOW SPEEDS. *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-05
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT RELEASE, THEREFORE SEAT BELT IS USELESS, CANNOT BE USED; DRIVER DRIVES UNRESTRAINED. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-02
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER WENT OUT TO CAR AND FOUND ON ROOF RUSTING OF THE A-PILLER . TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- VIN: 1B3BZ18D8JY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT LATCH IS CRACKED. TT
1988 Dodge Omni recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Dodge Omni.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL HORN PADS DO NOT CONTAIN THE HORN SYMBOL DISPLAY AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 101.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 101, CONTROLS ANDDISPLAYS.
- Remedy: SEND NOTIFICATION POSTCARD TO OWNERS TO ASSIST ANY FUTURE OWNERS WHO MIGHT BE UNSURE OF HORN LOCATION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Dodge Omni problems:
Is the Dodge Omni a reliable car? : r/MechanicAdvice
Feb 20, 2023 ... Im looking at a Dodge Omni 024 (1982) and was wondering how reliable they are and if there are any common problems with them. Archived post. New ...
1988 Dodge Omni - Stalling Issue - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
Apr 17, 2012 ... Replace the pick-up plate in the distributor, a common cause of ignition problems on the 2.2/2.5 L Chryslers. WClintM April 18, 2012, 7:14am ...
Peeling Paint!!! | Turbo Dodge Forums
Jan 6, 2004 ... Common problem and if you do a search on the internet for Chrysler paint problems I am sure you will find LOTS of articles. I think there is ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Cold Start Problems in 1988 Dodge Ram ...
Nov 5, 2008 ... I have had a cold weather problem for a time. When I start my 88 D150 RAM with the 318 c u engine, it runs very rough.
Engine - Omni Oil leaking From Pressure Sender | Turbo Dodge ...
Oct 19, 2017 ... These have been known to leak through the body of the sender and not past the threads. It happened to me on my Omni. I thought mine was leaking ...
Other years of Dodge Omni
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