Is the 1986 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 1986 Dodge Aries?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Dodge Aries have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1986 Dodge Aries

○ Not enough data

1986 Dodge Aries
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:40.612Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 3
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1986: 3 complaints

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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Steering

1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.

Show complaint excerpts

Replaced battery. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-17

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Engine running opened door vehicle slipped from park to reverse. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-10

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

Electrical system

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1986-03-26Electrical system86V053000 Battery cap vents may be partially or completely blocked with plastic flashing.

Remedy: Rework batteries by probing both vent orifices to eliminate any vent obstruction.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1987-11-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-05-18 Seat attachment
I
1988-05-18CClosed 1989-10-30 Seat attachment failure
I
1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
R

2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Dodge Aries — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 86V053000 · Electrical system
Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Dodge Aries?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Dodge Aries have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.