1987 Plymouth Reliant

○ Not enough data
1987 Plymouth Reliant
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:46:04.701Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1987: 10 complaints 1987 10 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 7 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 10 complaints 1987 10 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 7 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 10 complaints 1987 10 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 7 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990

1987: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19822
19831
19841
19855
19864
198710
198816
19897
19901

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Structure

2 of 10 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 10 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle experienced erratic/sudden acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-04

Steering

1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion).

Show complaint excerpts

Steering gear box came loose from the frame. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-26

Service brakes

1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
  2. I
    1991-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-08-30 Steering gear bolts loosen
  3. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Plymouth Reliant — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

FAQ

Is the 1987 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 1987 Plymouth Reliant?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Plymouth Reliant have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.