1986 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 1986 Plymouth Reliant problems
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for daily drivers during its time. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.
One common issue with the 1986 Plymouth Reliant is sudden loss of power while driving, as if the engine wants to stall or cut out, then quickly resumes normal running.
Another problem reported by owners is low compression when the engine is cold and severe vapor lock when it's hot. This issue can make the car difficult to start and maintain a consistent speed, particularly during hot weather.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor, which may need to be replaced twice or more during the car's lifetime. This sensor is responsible for measuring the pressure in the intake manifold and providing this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel injection accordingly.
Lastly, the 1986 Plymouth Reliant has been known to have rust issues, particularly around the rain gutters and above the upper left corner of the back glass. This can be a significant problem, as rust can compromise the structural integrity of the car and lead to more severe issues down the line.
These common problems with the 1986 Plymouth Reliant can be concerning for owners, but many of these issues can be addressed with proper maintenance and repairs. Regular inspections and tune-ups can help identify potential problems before they become more serious, and addressing issues like rust and vapor lock can help ensure the car remains safe and reliable for years to come.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 last Car Plymouth made?
Bring a Trailer is running an auction for the last Plymouth vehicle ever built, a 2001 Neon LX that rolled off the line in June 2001. The Neon in question is a single-owner car with 68 miles showing on the digital odometer.
1986 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
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Plymouth Reliant.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-28
- VIN: 1P3BP26D7GF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-01
- VIN: 1P3BP49K9GF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. *AK ALL POWER ASSIST SYSTEMS FAIL, SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL RESTART RIGHT AWAY, MORE OFTEN IN SEVERAL HOURS, RECENTLY IT WOULD NOT START FOR DAYS AFTER IT WOULD STALL, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, COMPUTER POWER MODULE, AND COMPUTER LOGIC MODULE HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED AND PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING, DEALER HAS ALSO REASSEMBLED THE FUEL INJECTOR, REPLACED COOLING FAN, AND TIGHTENED BELTS, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-15
- VIN: 1P3BP49K4GF
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AXLE DROPPED, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING/CONTROL. *SKD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-15
- VIN: 1P3BP49K4GF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUSTED K-FRAME, CAUSING AXLE TO DROP/LOSS OF STEERING/CONTROL..
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-25
- VIN: 1P3BP49K4GF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT REPLACED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-01
- VIN: 1P3BP49K4GF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN LOOSE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-25
- VIN: 1P3BP49K4GF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP REPLACED.
1986 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
- Summary: BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.
- Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Plymouth Reliant problems:
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 ... engine issues and a blown motor was a fairly ...
The Chrysler K-Car Club • View topic - 86 Reliant won't start
Feb 28, 2011 ... I bought a 1986 Plymouth Reliant a few weeks ago. ... If the hall effect sensor/pick-up coil is bad, it won't pick up a signal from engine, 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. ... Very common problem with those. Mines ...
1987 Plymouth Reliant Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1987 Plymouth Reliant LE 2.5 liter from North America. Summary: A very reliable, plain looking car. Faults: Replaced the battery a month after ...
CC Capsule: 1986 Plymouth Reliant K - "Hey! That's My Car! I'll ...
Aug 26, 2014 ... Only problem was it had low compression when the engine was cold and it had real bad vapor lock when it was hot. Apparently, there was a ...
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