1988 Dodge Aries
Only 11 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 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 11 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
REPLACED ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950207
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, OPENED HOOD AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING FROM THE ELECTRICAL WIRES NEAR THE FUEL INJECTION, VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TS *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS****761962
NHTSA ODI report, 20030429
1 of 11 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
SAFETY TIMELINE
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
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 WIT
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.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Dodge Aries — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Dodge Aries?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Dodge Aries have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.