1987 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 1987 Plymouth Reliant problems
The 1987 Plymouth Reliant, like many cars of its era, has several common problems that owners may encounter. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the instrument panel, which may become completely unresponsive, with no warning lights, illumination, or fuel gauge. This can be particularly problematic as it makes it difficult to monitor the car's performance and identify any potential issues.
Another common problem with the 1987 Plymouth Reliant is related to the wiring to the ignition coil, which may be chewed up or damaged. In some cases, a points-style condenser may have been added, which may not be a factory component. This can make it difficult to find replacement parts, as many manufacturers no longer list condensers for electronic ignition systems.
The transmission fluid is another area where owners of the 1987 Plymouth Reliant may encounter problems. The car's original transmission fluid, the Dexron II, is no longer produced, and owners may need to use a replacement fluid such as Dexron III or ATF+4. This can be a source of confusion, as different manufacturers may recommend different types of transmission fluid.
Finally, the 1987 Plymouth Reliant may have problems with its tires, which can be difficult to find in the original size of P175/75R13. Owners may need to look for tires in a more common size, or consider upgrading to a larger size if they are unable to find tires in the original size.
In summary, the 1987 Plymouth Reliant has several common problems that owners may encounter, including issues with the instrument panel, wiring to the ignition coil, transmission fluid, and tires. By being aware of these potential issues, owners can take steps to maintain their cars and address any problems as they arise.
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.
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.
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 |
1987 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
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Plymouth Reliant.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-16
- VIN: 1P3BP36D24F
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING GEAR BOX CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-26
- 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-12
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-15
- VIN: 1P3BP36D2HF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. DEALER NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN WET OR DAMP WEATHER. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-20
- VIN: 1P3BP39K3HF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT BROKE WHILE DRIVING.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ERRATIC/SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- VIN: 1P3BP39K3HF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAUSE OF IT BEING STUCK. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-25
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: LOCKING MECHANISM ON SEAT TRACK WILL NOT LOCK IN PLACE. SHIFTS FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. TT
1987 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Plymouth Reliant problems:
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.
1987 Plymouth Reliant Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: Replaced the battery a month after I bought it. I accidentally left the lights on. Recently replaced the thermostat. The car started running hot.
80s cool. Turbo Plymouth Reliant wagon anyone?| Grassroots ...
I was hoping it was SRT-4 swapped, with woodgrain to boot. http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?76780-1987-Chrysler-Town-amp-Country ...
Fuel Pump conversion on 1985 Plymouth Reliant | Allpar Forums
Mar 12, 2013 ... ... common procedure (so I'm told) of converting ... It was more of a 1980's fuel quality problem than a Chrysler problem, but it became a Chrysler ...
Q&A: 1985 Plymouth Reliant Wiring Diagram - Expert Answers
Feb 10, 2009 ... One of your experts "Brad" solved this same problem for "anarky" on 8/25/08 at 7:44 pm for a 1987 Dodge Horizon, and gave him a link for the ...
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