1981 Dodge Aries
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
RIGHT LOWER CROSS SUSPENSION IS CORRODED, TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED AN ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKET.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD SAFETY RECALL (89V-052) ON CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER DUE TO ROAD SALT USED FOR SNOW REMOVAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000731
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000822
SAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKE FLUID MAY CONTAIN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER. THIS CAN CAUSE DEGRADATION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE OR BRAKE FAILURE UNDER A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
Remedy: EXISTING BRAKE FLUID WILL BE REMOVED FROM BRAKE SYSTEM AND BRAKE SYSTEM WILL BE REFILLED WITH FRESH BRAKE FLUID.
Campaign 81V021000 — check if this car was fixed
THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES INSTALLED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE INADEQUATE INTERNAL SWITCH CONTACT PRESSURE DUE TO AN INCORRECT FORMATION OF THE SWITCH CONTACT TERMINALS. THIS LACK OF SWITCH CONTACT
Remedy: THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY FORMED TERMINALS WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Campaign 81V093000 — check if this car was fixed
THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
Remedy: THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 81V111000 — check if this car was fixed
HIGH PRESSURE AC HOSE RUPTURED
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
FRAME CORROSION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY CORRODE AND FAIL AT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR PIVOT MOUNTS IF OPERATED WHERE SALT IS USED TO AID IN SNOW REMOVAL.
Remedy: INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
Campaign 89V052000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Dodge Aries — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V021000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V093000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V111000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V052000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Dodge Aries reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Dodge Aries?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm:lower arm, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Dodge Aries have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.