Plymouth Reliant 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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Plymouth Reliant model years
Common Plymouth Reliant problems
Common problems reported by owners of the Plymouth Reliant cars include issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, and rust.
- Engine Problems: Owners have complained about engine issues, such as poor performance, stalling, and failures related to the fuel pump. Some have reported repeated fuel pump failures, leading to reliability concerns and the need for frequent repairs.
- Transmission Concerns: Transmission problems have been a common complaint among Plymouth Reliant owners. Issues like slipping gears, rough shifting, and overall transmission failure have been reported, impacting the drivability and performance of the vehicle.
- Braking System: Brake problems, including issues with brake pads, rotors, and calipers, have been highlighted by owners. Complaints range from squeaking brakes to reduced braking efficiency, posing safety risks and requiring maintenance to ensure proper functionality.
- Rust: Rust has been a significant issue with Plymouth Reliant cars, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions or where road salt is used. Owners have reported rust forming on various parts of the vehicle, affecting both the aesthetics and structural integrity of the car.
These common problems with the Plymouth Reliant cars have been a source of frustration for many owners, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential safety hazards. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and proper maintenance can help mitigate these issues and ensure a more reliable driving experience.
How many miles per gallon does a Plymouth reliant K car get?
K-Cars: Plymouth Reliant, Dodge Aries, and Chrysler LeBaron
| (inches unless noted; 1986 figures) | Two-door |
|---|---|
| Gas tank (gallons) | |
| Gas mileage (2.2 manual) | 25 mpg city /35 highway* |
| Power, 2.2 liter engine (Gran Fury: 318) | 97 hp @ 5,200 rpm 122 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm |
| Power, optional engine ( 1986: 2.5 / 1982: MMC 2.6) | 100 hp / 136 lb-ft |
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Reliant?
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.
Was the Chrysler K car a good car?
The K-Car platform had two key virtues that made it an overnight sensation when it first appeared on the market in 1981: It was reliable, and it was cheap.
When did Plymouth stop making trucks?
June 29, 2001Plymouth (automobile)
| Product type | Automobile, vans, trucks |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler |
| Introduced | July 7, 1928 by Walter Chrysler (94 years ago) |
| Discontinued | June 29, 2001 |
| Related brands | Dodge |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Plymouth Reliant years
We have researched Plymouth problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Plymouth Reliant cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Plymouth Reliant model years:
- Plymouth Reliant 1988
- Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Plymouth Reliant 1986
- Plymouth Reliant 1985
- Plymouth Reliant 1989
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Plymouth Reliant model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Plymouth Reliant years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Plymouth Reliant car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Plymouth Reliant , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Reliant model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Reliant model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Reliant model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Reliant model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Reliant . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Plymouth Reliant vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Plymouth Reliant 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-04-07
- Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 1981 PLYMOUTH RELIANT K-CAR. CONSUMER STATES ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS PARENTS PURCHASED THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE. BUT, SINCE HE DID MOST OF THE DRIVING, HE ASKED THEM IF HE COULD INSTALL CRUISE CONTROL. HE THEN PURCHASED IT AND INSTALLED IT HIMSELF. THE UNIT RECEIVED ITS CONTROL PULSES FROM MAGNETS AROUND THE DRIVE SHAFT, WITH A MAGNETIC PICK UP SENSOR. AFTER ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS, THE UNIT HE INSTALLED STARTED TO ACT ERRATIC. SOMETIMES HE WOULD SET THE CRUISE SPEED, BUT WHEN HE APPROACHED TRAFFIC, HE TAPPED THE CANCEL BUTTON, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO SPEED UP. THERE WAS NO EFFECT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER THEN PURCHASED ANOTHER CRUISE CONTROL UNIT AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.
Plymouth Reliant 1982
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2008-04-25
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SEVERE LOSS OF TURN SIGNAL FLUID. *TR
Plymouth Reliant 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2004-09-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3BK46D3KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. *SC *JB
Plymouth Reliant 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-17
- Date Complaint: 2003-11-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLED. INDEPENDENT SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2002-09-26
- VIN: 1P3BP36D24F
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING GEAR BOX CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-26
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE MOUNT COLLAPSED ON TOP OF VELOCITY JOINT. ALSO, CRACKED DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE HOSE DUE TO WEIGHT OF ENGINE. *AK
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-07
- VIN: 1P3BP39KXHF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS CAR INTERMITENTLY STALLS IT SOMETIMES STARTS RIGHT UP OTHER TIMES IT TAKES 15 MIN. TO RESTART PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED LOGIC MODULE COMPUTER , FUEL INJECTER, MAP SENSER, IGNITION WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP AND SHUTOFF RELAY THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO A CHRYSLER DEALER AND NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND SO IAM WONDERING IF THERE WERE ANY RECALL ITEMS FOR THIS CAR I SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR WITH OUT FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-07
- VIN: 1P3BP39KXHF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS CAR INTERMITENTLY STALLS IT SOMETIMES STARTS RIGHT UP OTHER TIMES IT TAKES 15 MIN. TO RESTART PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED LOGIC MODULE COMPUTER , FUEL INJECTER, MAP SENSER, IGNITION WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP AND SHUTOFF RELAY THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO A CHRYSLER DEALER AND NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND SO IAM WONDERING IF THERE WERE ANY RECALL ITEMS FOR THIS CAR I SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR WITH OUT FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
Plymouth Reliant 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP36D0GF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE PUMPING FUEL INTO THE TANK THE VEHICLE WAS OFF,WITH THE KEY TO IGNITION POSITION TO VIEW THE GAS GAUGE, WENT BACK TO CHECK GAS PUMP, AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE TANK. FIRE WENT OUT ON ITS OWN, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Plymouth Reliant 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-30
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-26
- VIN: 1P3BP46K7JC
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: HAD NOTICED STEERING WAS OFF. TO MUCH TURNING TO GET WHEELS TO TURN. HAD MECHANIC CHECK & BOLTS WERE LOOSE & HAD THEM TIGHTENED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BOLTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WERE SPLIT & COULD BE SEEN MOVING WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. ALSO NOTICED CROSSBAR WAS CRACKED. PE91065. *AK
Plymouth Reliant 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-29
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STARTED THE CAR FROM A PARKING LOT, AS SOON AS I PUT ON DRIVE, THE CAR WENT ON HIGH SPEED, WENT IN A CIRCULAR MOTION, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR UNTIL I HIT TWO OTHER CARS.
Plymouth Reliant 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-26
- Date Complaint: 1999-05-28
- VIN: 1P3BP49K9JF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT CROSSMEMBER CORRODED, CONSUMER STUCK IT WITH A SCREW DRIVER HANDLE AND IT FELL APART. MJS
Plymouth Reliant 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-05
- Date Complaint: 1999-04-20
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT IS SHAKING REAL BADLY, AND THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIE RODS/ BALL JOINTS AND STRUTS.DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-26
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-03
- VIN: 1P3BP39K1HF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE K-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE BRINGING THE CAR TO A HALT. THE MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED IT SAID THIS IS A COMMON FAULT WITH THE K-CARS. HE ALSO SAID I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS GOING VERY SLOW. HE SAID IF IT HAD BUSTED ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE GOING 60 MPH, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THE K-CARS? EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED, I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID EACH TIME I'M IN THE CAR.
Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-12
- Date Complaint: 1999-02-08
- VIN: 1P3BP39K7HF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN TRYING TO USE THE REAR GATE OF THE VEHICLE TO PUT THINGS INTO OR GETTING ITEMS OUT OF THE REAR GATE, THE REAR GATE WILL FALL DOWN ON THE CONSUMER'S HEAD BECAUSE THER ISN'T ENOUGH SUPPORT TO HOLD THE REAR GATE UP WHENEVER CONSUMER IS TRYING TO PUT ITEMS IN OR GET ANYTHING OUT. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Plymouth Reliant
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 22 recalls for different components of the Plymouth Reliant.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Plymouth Reliant 1989
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Reliant 1986
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Reliant 1985
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Reliant 1987
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Reliant 1988
- Report Received Date: 2008-04-14
- 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.
Are you having problems with your Plymouth Reliant?
