1989 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 1989 Plymouth Reliant problems
The 1989 Plymouth Reliant, a compact car produced by Chrysler, is known for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems.
- Ignition System Issues: Some owners have reported issues related to the ignition system, particularly in damp weather. These problems include intermittent starting, which may be due to a dirty or faulty coil, or a carbon track that requires replacement. The high voltage ignition system, including the coil and distributor cap, should be inspected for any signs of wear or damage.
- Fuel System Problems: Another common issue with the 1989 Plymouth Reliant is the fuel system. Some owners have reported stalling, which could be caused by a malfunctioning idle air control (IAC) or a faulty throttle body. These components are subjected to wear and tear, and may require cleaning or replacement to ensure proper engine performance.
- Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission, specifically related to fluid usage. The transmission may require the use of ATF+4, which is recommended for the 1989 Plymouth Reliant. It is important to maintain the transmission fluid level and quality to ensure smooth shifting and to prevent damage to the transmission.
- Wire Splice Repairs: The 1989 Plymouth Reliant has been subject to TSBs regarding wire splice repairs. The TSBs provide a revised wire splice procedure and related parts, indicating that some owners may have experienced issues with wire splices.
- Child Seat Tether Anchors: The 1989 Plymouth Reliant has also been subject to TSBs regarding child seat tether anchors. These bulletins provide information and instructions on the child seat tether anchors, indicating that some owners may have experienced issues with child seat installation or security.
- Body Rust: Some owners have reported issues with body rust, which can affect the frame, motor, and transmission of the vehicle. The expected lifespan of a Reliant is about 100,000 miles, but some owners have reported that their vehicles have lasted much longer, up to 300,000 miles, before rust became an issue.
In summary, the 1989 Plymouth Reliant is known for its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. These include ignition system issues, fuel system problems, transmission issues, wire splice repairs, child seat tether anchors, and body rust. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from becoming major problems, and can extend the lifespan of the 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.
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 |
1989 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Plymouth Reliant vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Plymouth Reliant complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Plymouth Reliant.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1P3BK46D3KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-04-10
- VIN: 3P3BK41D2KT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER RECALL REPAIRS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-12-01
- VIN: 3P3BK41D8KT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED, CAUSING OIL LEAK. *DH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- VIN: 3P3BK41DXKT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AUTOMATIC IDLE SPEED MOTOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. *DSH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TURNED CAR ON, VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD INTO WALL. TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-20
- VIN: JP4FH41V0KZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SPARE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE MOUNTED INSIDE TRUNK. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B3BK46D8KC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS AT 20K AND AGAIN AT 40K, 0NCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
1989 Plymouth Reliant recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
- Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Plymouth Reliant problems:
1989 Plymouth Reliant Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Feb 27, 2020 ... Faults: I have had to replace the head gasket twice on this car however it has been told to me by various individuals this is a common problem ...
Chrysler K Car Memories? - Airliners.net
... Plymouth Reliant K of the same vintage. ... Very common problem with those. Mines caught ... I stared with a 1980 Plymouth TC3 and later bought new ...
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 for vapor lock are bad ... Often, in such hot weather, I have also had problems with stalling in my 85 Plymouth Reliant that ...
COAL: 1981 Plymouth Reliant Sedan - Old Reliable - Curbside Classic
Jan 15, 2017 ... Plymouth Reliant with rare four-on-the-floor transmission. ... 1989 Dodge Dynasty K car variant I ... issues with cracked heads and engine problems.
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