VehicleVerdict

1988 Dodge ARIES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1988 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.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other ARIES years?

ARIES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 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, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ARIES years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Dodge ARIES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering431%
Electrical System215%
Other18%
Seat Belts18%
Seats18%
Speed Control18%
Suspension18%
Transmission18%
Engine18%

Does the 1988 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.

“I HAD A MECHANICS SHOP REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLEY AND IT KEEPS COMING LOOSE FROM THE FRAME, WHEN I GO AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT WHANTS TO STRAIHGTEN OUT AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED AS MUCN AS 45 DEGREES TO MAINTAIN PROPER CONTROL. WHEN THE ROAD STRAITENS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 10, 2002

“ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, OPENED HOOD AND FIRE WAS SHOOTING FROM THE ELECTRICAL WIRES NEAR THE FUEL INJECTION, VEHICLE BURNED TO THE GROUND. *TS *JB [REDACTED]DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS[REDACTED]761962”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 15, 2002 · fire

“UPONT STARTING THE VEHICLE THE RPMS INCREASED AND IN ADDITION UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDLY ACCELERATED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control

1988 Dodge ARIES — common questions

Is the 1988 Dodge ARIES reliable?

The record is thin — 13 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 1988 ARIES problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), speed control (1 complaints).

Does the 1988 Dodge ARIES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Dodge ARIES. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 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.