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1981 Dodge AriesProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1981 Dodge Aries, most often about the structure. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 7, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1981 Dodge Aries has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1981 Dodge Aries recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 89V-052 · Mar 29, 1989 · 500,000 vehicles

Risk. CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1981 vs. every other Aries year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Aries median. How we score

'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1981 Dodge Aries, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HIGH PRESSURE AC HOSE RUPTUREDDP82011 · closed Dec 3, 1982
    No recall
  2. TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILUREEA91010 · closed Dec 31, 1991
    No recall
  3. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE85011 · closed Jul 31, 1985
    Led to recall 84V-147
  4. FRAME CORROSIONPE89093 · closed Mar 29, 1989
    Led to recall 89V-052

Own a 1981 Aries?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.