Is the 1985 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 1985 Plymouth Reliant?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Plymouth Reliant have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1985 Plymouth Reliant

○ Not enough data

1985 Plymouth Reliant
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:56.024Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 5
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1985: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire. (Ohio state police report)

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-18

Radiator replaced due to antifreeze leak.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-20

Suspension

2 of 5 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and front.

Steering

1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing linkages.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

Electrical system

1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

R

1984-12-14Fuel system, gasoline84V147000 The potential for fuel leakage exists in the engine compartment at the fuel reservoir seam and its hose connections. The fuel reservoir is a silver colored can mounted to the air cleaner.

Remedy: The hoses and the metal tube that attaches to the fuel reservoir will be replaced with new components. The dealer will also replace or reseal the reservoir.

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

1985 Plymouth Reliant — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 84V147000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Plymouth Reliant?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Plymouth Reliant have?: 2 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.