1981 Plymouth Reliant
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
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Death resulted from side impact, attorney for client.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-12
Equipment
1 of 2 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
1981 Plymouth Reliant k-car. Consumer states accelerator problems. *tgw the consumer stated his parents purchased the above mentioned vehicle. But, since he did most of the driving, he asked them if he could install cruise control.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-04-07
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1981-05-06Service brakes, hydraulic81V021000 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.
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1981-08-13Exterior lighting81V093000 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…
Remedy: The stop lamp switches on all involved vehicles will be replaced and properly formed terminals will be installed at no cost to owner.
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1981-10-06Vehicle speed control81V111000 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.
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1984-11-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1985-07-31 Engine compartment fires
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1986-05-21Defect petitionClosed 1986-08-20 Frame and chassis components
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1989-03-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-29 Frame corrosion
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1989-06-29Suspension89V052000 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.
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1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Plymouth Reliant — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 81V021000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 81V093000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 81V111000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 89V052000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1981 Plymouth Reliant 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 Plymouth Reliant?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Plymouth Reliant have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.