1988 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 1988 Plymouth Reliant problems
The 1988 Plymouth Reliant has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. The most frequently reported issue is excessive fuel consumption. This issue can be a significant concern for owners, as it can lead to increased fuel costs and decreased fuel efficiency.
Another common problem reported by owners of the 1988 Plymouth Reliant is issues with sensors or chips in the car. This issue can be frustrating for owners, as it can affect the car's performance and drivability.
The 1988 Plymouth Reliant has also been reported to have issues with the fuel filter or fuel pump. This issue can be a significant concern for owners, as it can leave them stranded and unable to drive the car.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1988 Plymouth Reliant has been reported to have general problems with its engine. This issue can be a significant concern for owners, as it can lead to increased fuel costs and decreased fuel efficiency.
Overall, the 1988 Plymouth Reliant has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include excessive fuel consumption, problems with sensors or chips, issues with the fuel filter or fuel pump, and general engine problems. While some of these issues can be resolved with relatively simple repairs, others may require more extensive work or replacement of parts. It is essential for owners to stay up-to-date on regular maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicle.
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.
Is Plymouth and Dodge the same company?
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.
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 |
1988 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Plymouth Reliant.
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-30
- VIN: 1P3BP46K7JC
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: HAD NOTICED STEERING WAS OFF. TO MUCH TURNING TO GET WHEELS TO TURN. HAD MECHANIC CHECK & BOLTS WERE LOOSE & HAD THEM TIGHTENED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BOLTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WERE SPLIT & COULD BE SEEN MOVING WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. ALSO NOTICED CROSSBAR WAS CRACKED. PE91065. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STARTED THE CAR FROM A PARKING LOT, AS SOON AS I PUT ON DRIVE, THE CAR WENT ON HIGH SPEED, WENT IN A CIRCULAR MOTION, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR UNTIL I HIT TWO OTHER CARS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-26
- VIN: 1P3BP49K9JF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT CROSSMEMBER CORRODED, CONSUMER STUCK IT WITH A SCREW DRIVER HANDLE AND IT FELL APART. MJS
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-21
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, WHEN MAKING A TURN, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARD INTO THE REAR SEAT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-20
- VIN: 1P3BP39K3HF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CRANKSHAFT FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-29
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP46D2JC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: 1P3BP46D3JC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE JERKS INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE SUMMER.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-07
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS FREQUENTLY.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE W/CAUSE, SPEED SENSOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE W/CAUSE, SPEED SENSOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-08
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER DURING ABOVE ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS REPLACED 3 TIMES DUE TO DISINTEGRATION, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AW
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE CALIPERS REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-08
- VIN: 1P3BP46DXJC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED TWICE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-08-26
- VIN: 1P3BP4607JC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK/PINION LEAK. *DH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE WILL JERK FORWARD. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-20
- VIN: 1P3BP46D5JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-05
- VIN: 1P3BT46DXJF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK LID CLOSED UNINTENTIONALLY. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT ALERT DRIVER IN TIME TO AVOID ENGINE DAMAGE. TT
1988 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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 1988 Plymouth Reliant problems:
1989 Plymouth Reliant Reviews - Carsurvey.org
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Aug 11, 2014 ... Often, in such hot weather, I have also had problems with stalling in my 85 Plymouth Reliant that I no longer have. It will appear like fuel ...
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Jun 1, 2021 ... Curbside Classic: 1988 Plymouth Reliant America – Mom And Dad, Please Don't ... problems from the Tempo's 2.3L HSC engine, I ... common problem.
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 ...
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