1981 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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Common 1981 Plymouth Reliant problems
The Plymouth Reliant 1981, also known as the Dodge Aries, is a car model that has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Engine Overheating: Another common problem with the Plymouth Reliant 1981 is engine overheating. The car's cooling system is not very efficient, causing the engine to overheat, especially during hot weather or when driving for long periods. This issue can lead to engine damage and expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.
- Electrical Issues: The Plymouth Reliant 1981 has been reported to have several electrical issues, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, and malfunctioning gauges. These issues can cause the car's electrical system to fail, leaving the driver stranded. They can also be challenging to diagnose and fix, as they often require specialized knowledge and equipment.
- Suspension Problems: The Plymouth Reliant 1981's suspension system is also known to have issues. The car's front suspension can wear out quickly, causing the car to ride roughly or even bottom out. This issue can be expensive to fix, as it often requires replacing several suspension components.
- Body Rust: The Plymouth Reliant 1981 is prone to body rust, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads during the winter. The car's body panels and frame can rust, causing structural damage and reducing the car's value. This issue can be challenging to fix, as it often requires extensive repairs or even replacement of the affected body panels.
- Interior Wear: The Plymouth Reliant 1981's interior is also known to wear out quickly. The car's seats, carpet, and dashboard can crack, fade, or tear, making the car look old and worn out. This issue can be expensive to fix, as it often requires replacing several interior components.
In summary, the Plymouth Reliant 1981 is a car model that has been reported to have several common problems, including transmission failure, engine overheating, electrical issues, suspension problems, body rust, and interior wear. These issues can be expensive to fix and can reduce the car's value and reliability. If you are considering purchasing a Plymouth Reliant 1981, it is essential to be aware of these issues and to budget accordingly for potential repairs and maintenance.
How reliable is the Plymouth Reliant K?
The Chrysler K cars (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant) were average in reliability for their time. They sold incredibly well, and combined with all the models they spawned, saved Chrysler from going out of business.
Why did Plymouth cars fail?
Final years: 1990s–2001
By the 1990s, Plymouth had lost much of its identity, as its models continued to overlap in features and prices with its sister brands, Dodge and Eagle. Chrysler attempted to remedy this by repositioning Plymouth to its traditional target market as the automaker's entry-level brand.
Was the K car reliable?
Known as the K car platform, it would become the centerpiece of Chrysler's turnaround. Not only was it less expensive to produce cars built on the same platform, they could be built more reliably with tightly focused engineering.
What was the Dodge version of the Plymouth Reliant?
Dodge Aries
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.
How reliable is the Plymouth Reliant K?
The Chrysler K cars (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant) were average in reliability for their time. They sold incredibly well, and combined with all the models they spawned, saved Chrysler from going out of business.
Why did Plymouth cars fail?
Final years: 1990s–2001
By the 1990s, Plymouth had lost much of its identity, as its models continued to overlap in features and prices with its sister brands, Dodge and Eagle. Chrysler attempted to remedy this by repositioning Plymouth to its traditional target market as the automaker's entry-level brand.
Was the K car reliable?
Known as the K car platform, it would become the centerpiece of Chrysler's turnaround. Not only was it less expensive to produce cars built on the same platform, they could be built more reliably with tightly focused engineering.
Why is Plymouth Reliant called K car?
The K was an internal designation for the chassis/body. Diplomats were M bodies, the lamentable Dodge St. Regis was an R body, and so forth. GM had marketed their new (and flawed) FWD compacts as the X cars the year before.
1981 Plymouth Reliant car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Reliant problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Equipment problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Plymouth Reliant.
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-05
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DEATH RESULTED FROM SIDE IMPACT, ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT. *AW
1981 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1981 Plymouth Reliant.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY CORRODE AND FAIL AT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR PIVOT MOUNTS IF OPERATED WHERE SALT IS USED TO AID IN SNOW REMOVAL.
- Consequence: CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES INSTALLED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE INTERNAL SWITCH CONTACT PRESSURE DUE TO AN INCORRECT FORMATION OF THE SWITCH CONTACT TERMINALS. THIS LACK OF SWITCH CONTACT CONTINUITY MAY RENDER THE (STOP) BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
- Remedy: THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY FORMED TERMINALS WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
- Summary: BRAKE FLUID MAY CONTAIN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER. THIS CAN CAUSE DEGRADATION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE OR BRAKE FAILURE UNDER A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
- Remedy: EXISTING BRAKE FLUID WILL BE REMOVED FROM BRAKE SYSTEM AND BRAKE SYSTEM WILL BE REFILLED WITH FRESH BRAKE FLUID.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Plymouth Reliant problems:
COAL: 1981 Plymouth Reliant Sedan - Old Reliable - Curbside Classic
Jan 15, 2017 ... I can't even count how many of these cars fried the Engine Control Modules, up in NE Ohio, where moisture is a common problem year round. And ...
Chrysler K Car Memories? - Airliners.net
1996), the body shop replaced the Aries front end with that of a Plymouth Reliant K of the same vintage. ... It was a burgundy 1981 Reliant two ...
Dodge Aries Dies Intermittantly | Allpar Forums
Aug 11, 2014 ... Common area problems ... Often, in such hot weather, I have also had problems with stalling in my 85 Plymouth Reliant that I no longer have.
How reliable was the Chrysler k car? - Quora
Nov 3, 2018 ... The Chrysler K cars (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant) were average in reliability for their time. They sold incredibly well, and combined ...
2001 Chrysler Neon -- possible oil pressure problem | Allpar Forums
Aug 2, 2014 ... 2001 Chrysler Neon -- possible oil pressure problem ... 1985 Plymouth Reliant, 1981 GM Chevy Van (1 ... It's a very common failure point. 2022 ...
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