1983 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 1983 Plymouth Reliant problems
The Plymouth Reliant was a mid-size car introduced in 1981 as part of the first "K-cars" manufactured and marketed by the Chrysler Corporation. While the Reliant was praised for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency, it was not without its share of problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners:
- Faulty Alternator: One of the most significant problems reported by Reliant owners was an electrical fire caused by a faulty alternator. The alternator would overcharge and melt a wiring harness, which could then short out and cause a fire. This issue was particularly prevalent in the 1983 model year.
- Overheating: Overheating was a common problem in the Reliant, particularly in the 1980s. However, there are cheap fixes to prevent this issue, such as drilling a hole in the thermostat housing to allow coolant to flow more freely.
- Powerplant Issues: The Reliant's 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine was known for its reliability, but it was not without its issues. The engine's compression ratio changed several times throughout the car's production, and the standard axle ratio also varied. Additionally, the 2.6-liter Mitsubishi engine was optional in some models but was not without its problems.
- Electrical Issues: The Reliant's electrical system was also known to cause problems. For example, the car's wiring harness was prone to melting and shorting out, which could cause a fire. Additionally, the car's electrical system was not designed to handle high-wattage accessories, which could cause the system to fail.
- Rust: The Reliant was prone to rust, particularly in the rocker panels and wheel wells. This issue was particularly prevalent in cars that were driven in areas with harsh winters and salted roads.
In summary, while the Plymouth Reliant was a popular and reliable car in its time, it was not without its issues. Owners reported problems with the alternator, overheating, powerplant issues, electrical problems, and rust. However, many of these issues can be addressed with relatively simple fixes, and the car remains a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts today.
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.
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.
What engine is in a Reliant?
| Reliant Robin | |
|---|---|
| Related | Reliant Regal Van Reliant Kitten Reliant Rialto |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 748 cc OHV I4 848 cc OHV I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual all-synchromesh |
How many miles per gallon does a Plymouth reliant K-car get?
1987 Plymouth Reliant K Overview
It gives mileage of 22 MPG in city and 29 MPG on highway.
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.
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.
What engine is in a Reliant?
| Reliant Robin | |
|---|---|
| Related | Reliant Regal Van Reliant Kitten Reliant Rialto |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 748 cc OHV I4 848 cc OHV I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual all-synchromesh |
What is the top speed of the Reliant?
The engine developed 180 brake horsepower (130 kW) and pushed the Valiant to a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
1983 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Plymouth Reliant.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-11
- VIN: 1P3BP59G3DF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE DESIGN WITH ROLLOVER/SEPARATOR VALVE, CAUSES EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM ENGINE. *SKD
1983 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: LOCATION OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE TO BOTH REAR WHEELS CAUSES INTERFERENCE AND CHAFING BETWEEN THE TUBES AND REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM PIVOT BRACKETS.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBES AND REROUTE TO ENSURE PROPER TUBE TO PIVOT BRACKET CLEARANCE. ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBING ROUTED TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN BENT OUT OF SHAPE DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD CHAFE AGAINST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HANGER BOLT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE TUBE, IF NECESSARY. A RETAINING CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FOR THE TUBING; ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE COULD CAUSE IT TO CHAFE AGAINST THE PARK BRAKE CABLES. EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE TUBE MAY FAIL AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REROUTE THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Plymouth Reliant problems:
1980-83 Chrysler Cordoba/Dodge Mirada Problems | Allpar Forums
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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 ...
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1996), the body shop replaced the Aries front end with that of a Plymouth Reliant K of the same vintage. ... Very common problem with those. Mines ...
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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 ...
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