1971 Plymouth Satellite problems
The Plymouth Satellite is a mid-size automobile introduced in the 1965 model year as the top trim model in Plymouth's "B" platform Belvedere line. Available initially in two-door hardtop and convertible models, the Satellite remained the top-of-the-line model until the 1967 model year. A station wagon version was added and a higher "Sport" trim introduced.
The Fury name was moved to Plymouth's mid-size models for 1975, at which time the Satellite name was discontinued.
First generation (1965-1967)
When the new, larger Plymouth Fury was introduced for 1965 on Chrysler's full-size C platform, the Plymouth Belvedere name was moved to Plymouth's "new" mid-size line for 1965. The Belvedere Satellite was the top trim model in the series, above the Belvedere I and II. It was available in two-door hardtop or convertible versions. Bucket seats and a center console were standard equipment, as well as a V8 engine. For 1965, the standard engine was the 273 cu in (4.5 L) with optional 318 cu in (5.2 L), 361 cu in (5.9 L), as well as 383 cu in (6.3 L) and 426 cu in (7.0 L) "Commando" engines. This 426 had the wedge combustion chamber design and is not the 426 "Hemi" that was offered in 1966. The front end featured single headlights on each side, and a grille divided into four thin rectangles laid horizontally.
The 1965 Satellite two-door hardtop total production was 23,341 units. It weighed 3,220 lb (1,460 kg) with a base price of $2,612 ($25,254 in 2023 dollars ). Convertible production was 1,860 units. It weighed 3,325 lb (1,508 kg) and was priced at $2,827 in standard trim ($27,333 in 2023 dollars ).
The 1966 redesigned Satellite was available with a "Street Hemi" engine with two 4-barrel carburetors and 10.25:1 compression. This engine was rated at 425 hp (317 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The other V8 engine options for 1966 remained the 180 hp (130 kW) 273, the 318 at 230 hp (170 kW), as well as the 265 hp (198 kW) Commando 361 and Commando 383 at 325 hp (242 kW), down from its 330 hp (250 kW) rating in 1965.
The 1967 Satellite was a carryover from 1966, but there were several trim changes. A new grille featured dual side-by-side headlights, a change in the rear trunk finish panel and taillights included multiple horizontal ribs. New horizontal aluminum trim at the lower body crease with lower silver paint gave all 1967 Satellites essentially a two-tone paint scheme. For 1966 and 1967, the interior vinyl seats and door panels were treated to a unique 'Western Scroll' design which mimicked tooled leather in appearance. This was the 'premium' interior shared with the GTX in 1967. For 1966 and 1967 the Satellite was again offered only in 2-door hardtop and convertible body styles and was powered by V8 engines. The 361 was discontinued for the 1967 models, but a 2-barrel 383 producing 270 hp (200 kW) was optional, as well as 4-barrel version rated at 325 hp (242 kW).
Production figures for 1966 were 35,399 hardtops and 2,759 convertibles.
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Common 1971 Plymouth Satellite problems
The 1971 Plymouth Satellite is a classic muscle car that has its own set of common problems based on complaints from its owners. One major issue is rust, which can be caused by various factors such as exposure to the elements, poor maintenance, or age.
Another common problem with the 1971 Plymouth Satellite is engine and transmission issues. Some owners have reported that their engines are locked or not in good condition due to sitting for many years without use.
The 1971 Plymouth Satellite's interior can also have issues, such as worn-out or damaged seats, faded or cracked dashboards, and malfunctioning radio or climate control systems. For instance, a Satellite Sebring Plus had a slight skip, which the owner attributed to fouled-out plugs due to the car's low mileage since 1989.
Other common problems with the 1971 Plymouth Satellite include electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or blown fuses, and suspension or steering problems, such as worn-out bushings or leaking shocks. Some owners have also reported issues with the brakes, such as worn-out pads or leaking master cylinders.
In conclusion, the 1971 Plymouth Satellite is a classic muscle car that can have various common problems, including rust, engine and transmission issues, interior wear and tear, electrical problems, and suspension or steering issues. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and timely repairs can help prevent or address these problems and ensure the car's longevity and performance.
What engines were available in the 1971 Plymouth Satellite?
Third generation (1971-1974)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant 6 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 426 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (1971 only) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
Was the Plymouth Satellite a muscle car?
That changed in '66, when the 426-cid Hemi V-8 was added to the regular production options list. And one of the muscle cars that benefited from this change was the 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi.
What's the difference between a Road Runner and a Satellite?
One of the most notable differences between the Satellite and the Road Runner is the hood. The Road Runner employed a “performance hood” with two upward-facing scoops that could be incorporated into the “Air Grabber” which was designed to force air into the Road Runner's carburetor.
What are the trim levels for the 1971 Plymouth Satellite?
Satellite Sebring, Satellite Sebring Plus came in base, Custom or wood-trimmed Regent models, and Sedans were available in base, Custom and Brougham trim.
What engines were available in the 1971 Plymouth Satellite?
Third generation (1971-1974)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant 6 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 426 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (1971 only) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
Was the Plymouth Satellite a muscle car?
That changed in '66, when the 426-cid Hemi V-8 was added to the regular production options list. And one of the muscle cars that benefited from this change was the 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi.
What body is a 1971 Plymouth Satellite?
However, the “fuselage” styling of the 1971 B-bodies seems to have polarized muscle car fans both in the '70s and today. The long hoods and short decklids give Plymouth's 1971–1974 Satellite a decidedly sporty look and its sister car, the Dodge Charger, looks downright sinister.
Is a Plymouth Satellite the same as a Road Runner?
The Road Runner of 1968-1970 was based on the Belvedere, while the GTX was based on the Sport Satellite, a car with higher-level trim and slight differences in the grilles and taillights.
1971 Plymouth Satellite car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Satellite problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1971 Plymouth Satellite vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1971 Plymouth Satellite complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1971 Plymouth Satellite.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-30
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1971 PLYMOUTH SATELLITE EQUIPPED WITH DILLACP TR-413 255/45/17 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER NOTICING A RECCURING FAILURE WITH THE TIRES, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD FAULTY VALVE STEMS AND THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
1971 Plymouth Satellite recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1971 Plymouth Satellite.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEATS
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1971 Plymouth Satellite problems:
Plymouth Satellite Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jun 24, 2010 ... 1971 Plymouth Satellite 7.2L gasoline from North America. Summary: Awesome with great performance. Faults: No faults that merit mentioning.
Q&A: Common Issues with 74 Plymouth Satellite & 1974 Duster 318
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Apr 27, 2020 ... The question I have is this is a 1971 Plymouth satellite in 1972 Plymouth satellite ... issues because I got the car without anything in the ...
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Mar 5, 2024 ... Why can't things be like my first car I ever owned... A genuine 1971 Plymouth Satellite with the 318 V8, cherry bomb exhaust, air shocks, and ...
How much $$$ to rewire a car? - Moparts Forums
Nov 6, 2013 ... I have a 71 Satellite that I want to ... common problems with the charging systems on these cars. ... 1971 Plymouth Satellite 408/904 8 3/4 3.23 ...
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