VehicleVerdict

1987 Dodge ARIES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 1987 Dodge ARIES — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other ARIES years?

ARIES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted20 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 3 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 4 complaints1987: 20 complaints1988: 13 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 0 complaints
ARIES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ARIES years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Dodge ARIES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine630%
Electrical System210%
Brakes210%
Speed Control210%
Suspension210%
Tires & Wheels210%
Steering15%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)15%
Fuel System15%
Transmission15%

Does the 1987 Dodge ARIES have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

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 WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“IF OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 20 DEGREES THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO START AND IS PRONE TO ENGINE FLOODING. ONCE IT IS STARTED, THERE IS AN ENGINE "MISS" THAT IMPROVES AS ENGINE WARMS UP. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED CONTROL. WHEN SIGNALING A LANE CHANGE, WITH SPEED CONTROL ON,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“IF OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 20 DEGREES THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO START AND IS PRONE TO ENGINE FLOODING. ONCE IT IS STARTED, THERE IS AN ENGINE "MISS" THAT IMPROVES AS ENGINE WARMS UP. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEED CONTROL. WHEN SIGNALING A LANE CHANGE, WITH SPEED CONTROL ON,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control

“WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, 20 MPH, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BENT RIGHT OUT AT 90 DEGREES; FRAME CRADLE CRACKED IN HALF; PULLED OUT TRANMISSION, ETC.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 24, 1995

1987 Dodge ARIES — common questions

Is the 1987 Dodge ARIES reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 ARIES problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Dodge ARIES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Dodge ARIES. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Dodge ARIES under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.