Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1976 Dodge Aspen — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 8 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
8
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 33% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 33% | new |
8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
POSSIBLE FATIGUE FAILURE CAN OCCUR IN THE FRAME SUPPORT PLATES (FRONT SUSPENSION PIVOT BAR SUPPORT PLATE) THAT CONNECTS A PORTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT SUPPORT PLATES FOR INDICATIONS OF FAILURE AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE PLATES. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BRACKETS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO REINFORCE THE SUPPORT PLATE AT THE PIVOT BAR ATTACHMENTS.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE HOOD SECONDARY CATCH SYSTEM MAY BE MISALIGNED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY CATCH TO MALFUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE HOOD MAY NOT BE SECURELY LATCHED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL ADJUST THE CATCH SYSTEM TO FULLY SECURE THE HOOD, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP SEAL CAN BECOME DISTORTED DUE TO CONTACT WITH CERTAIN TYPES OF GASOLINE. NORMALLY, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE ACCELERATOR PUMP IS ACTIVATED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL GASOLINE REQUIRED FOR ACCELERATION. A DISTORTED SEAL HOWEVER, MAY PREVENT THE PUMP FROM DELIVERING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP SEAL WITH A NEW SEAL HAVING IMPROVED DISTORTION RESISTANCE AND WILL ENSURE PROPER ADJUSTMENT. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COULD OCCUR DUE TO FRONT WHEEL BRAKE LINE TUBE CORROSION. FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK DUE TO PROLONGED OPERATION IN COLD TEMPERATURES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HOSES IF FOUND NECESSARY AND IN ADDITION, WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD BETWEEN THE BATTERY THERMO-GUARD AND THE TUBES TO PREVENT CORROSION.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE PRESSURE PLACARDS INCORRECTLY SPECIFY THE FRONT TIRE PRESSURE FOR MAXIMUM LOAD CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT, TIRES COULD FAIL DUE TO OVERLOADING.
Remedy
THE OWNER WILL BE SENT THE CORRECT PLACARD AND HAS THE OPTION OF INSTALLING IT HIM/HERSELF OR HAVING THE DEALER INSTALL IT, FREE OF CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO HONOR ITS RECALLS ON MY 1976 DODGE ASPEN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. ONE RECALL IN PARTICULAR HAS TO DO WITH REPLACING THE FRONT END BRAKES LINES. LAST NIGHT MY BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THE LINES ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TALKED TO SOMEONE LAST SEPTEMBER WHO SAID THEY WOULD…”
“I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO HONOR ITS RECALLS ON MY 1976 DODGE ASPEN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. ONE RECALL IN PARTICULAR HAS TO DO WITH REPLACING THE FRONT END BRAKES LINES. LAST NIGHT MY BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THE LINES ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TALKED TO SOMEONE LAST SEPTEMBER WHO SAID THEY WOULD…”
“I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET CHRYSLER TO HONOR ITS RECALLS ON MY 1976 DODGE ASPEN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. ONE RECALL IN PARTICULAR HAS TO DO WITH REPLACING THE FRONT END BRAKES LINES. LAST NIGHT MY BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THE LINES ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TALKED TO SOMEONE LAST SEPTEMBER WHO SAID THEY WOULD…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1976 Dodge Aspen. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.