VehicleVerdict

1988 Plymouth Reliant problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 1988 Plymouth Reliant — 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.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Reliant years?

Reliant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted23 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 12 complaints1988: 23 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 1 complaints
Reliant NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Reliant years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Plymouth Reliant problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control417%
Brakes417%
Engine417%
Steering29%
Body & Structure29%
Seat Belts29%
Transmission14%
Electrical System14%
Fuel System14%
Seats14%
Suspension14%

Does the 1988 Plymouth Reliant 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.

“STARTED THE CAR FROM A PARKING LOT, AS SOON AS I PUT ON DRIVE, THE CAR WENT ON HIGH SPEED, WENT IN A CIRCULAR MOTION, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR UNTIL I HIT TWO OTHER CARS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 29, 1999 · crash

“HAD NOTICED STEERING WAS OFF. TO MUCH TURNING TO GET WHEELS TO TURN. HAD MECHANIC CHECK & BOLTS WERE LOOSE & HAD THEM TIGHTENED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BOLTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WERE SPLIT & COULD BE SEEN MOVING WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. ALSO NOTICED CROSSBAR WAS CRACKED. PE91065. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 30, 1999

“HAD NOTICED STEERING WAS OFF. TO MUCH TURNING TO GET WHEELS TO TURN. HAD MECHANIC CHECK & BOLTS WERE LOOSE & HAD THEM TIGHTENED ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE BOLTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WERE SPLIT & COULD BE SEEN MOVING WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED. ALSO NOTICED CROSSBAR WAS CRACKED. PE91065. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 1999

1988 Plymouth Reliant — common questions

Is the 1988 Plymouth Reliant reliable?

The record is thin — 23 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 Reliant problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (4 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 1988 Plymouth Reliant have recalls?

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

Is the 1988 Plymouth Reliant 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.