1981 Plymouth Reliant

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1981 Plymouth Reliant
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:57:55.819Z

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.

How is this computed?

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.

DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

DEATH RESULTED FROM SIDE IMPACT, ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT. *AW

NHTSA ODI report, 19951012

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, 20100407

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19810506 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 19810813 — exterior lighting

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

R 19811006 — vehicle speed control

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

I 19841114 — PE (closed 19850731)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19860521 — DP (closed 19860820)

FRAME AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS

I 19890301 — PE (closed 19890329)

FRAME CORROSION

R 19890629 — suspension

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

I 19901210 — EA (closed 19911231)

TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Plymouth Reliant — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for equipment 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 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:frame and members, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.