1985 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 1985 Plymouth Reliant problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the 1985 Plymouth Reliant as reported by owners:
- Safety Concerns: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides safety ratings for the 1985 Plymouth Reliant. These ratings help consumers assess the safety of the vehicle, including frontal barrier tests, side barrier tests, side pole barrier tests, and rollover resistance tests. Safety technologies and recalls are also highlighted.
- Maintenance and Restoration: Some owners have shared detailed maintenance and restoration work done on their 1985 Plymouth Reliant wagons. This includes engine work like replacing freeze plugs, oil pump, and timing belt, as well as transaxle, driveline, steering, suspension, fuel system, cooling system, brakes, interior, and A/C system maintenance. The list of repairs and upgrades is extensive, showcasing the dedication to keeping the car in good condition.
These common problems and maintenance issues provide insights into the challenges faced by owners of the 1985 Plymouth Reliant.
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?
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 |
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.
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?
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 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).
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 |
1985 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
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Plymouth Reliant.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-05
- 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BP26C4FF
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURATOR FAILED SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND HESITATE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-08
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-22
- VIN: 1P3BP49D4FF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DEALER INSTALLED A TRAILING ARM WHICH BROKE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-18
- VIN: 1P3BP36C7FF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED TWICE. *AW
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-02
- VIN: 1P3BP36C7FF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR REPLACED DUE TO ANTIFREEZE LEAK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-02
- VIN: 1P3BP36C7FF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILS TO FLASH DUE TO GROUND WIRE FAILURE.
1985 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Plymouth Reliant.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
- Remedy: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Plymouth Reliant problems:
1989 Plymouth Reliant Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Feb 27, 2020 ... Had a similar problem with my 1985 Ramcharger, but it was the plug-in from the magnetic pickup to the wiring harness. It rests on the engine ...
Fuel Pump conversion on 1985 Plymouth Reliant | Allpar Forums
Mar 12, 2013 ... Fuel Pump conversion on 1985 Plymouth Reliant ... common procedure (so I'm told) of converting ... It was more of a 1980's fuel quality problem than ...
How reliable was the Chrysler k car? - Quora
Nov 3, 2018 ... ... (Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant) were average in reliability for their time ... engine issues and a blown motor was a fairly common problem.
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.
Q&A: 1985 Plymouth Reliant Wiring Diagram - Expert Answers
Feb 10, 2009 ... The problem is: I can not find a wiring diagram that shows how the Auto-Shutdown module is wired to the rest of the electrical system. One of ...
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