Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING WHEEL MAY CRACK AT ITS MOUNTING HUB WELD ATTACHMENT BECAUSE OF FATIGUE LOADING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.
Consequence
SEPARATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL FROM ITS MOUNTING HUBRESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUTWARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING WHEELS WITH REVISED WHEEL WITH ARC WELDS ADDED AT THE WHEEL STAMPING-TO-HUB ATTACHMENT.
Defect
ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Consequence
TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.