- The problem
- Front suspension crossmember may corrode and fail at lower control arm rear pivot mounts if operated where salt is used to aid in snow removal.
- The risk
- Control arm could detach from the crossmember, adverselyaffecting directional stability, which could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Install attachment reinforcement brackets to prevent control arm detachment as a result of corrosion weakening.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Dodge Aries Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1981 Dodge Aries with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (1) and the body, doors & structure (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in March 1989 for the lower arm. For comparison, the 1982 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Aries year, for its age
#9 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Dodge Aries problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Dodge Aries recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The automatic speed control switch may stick in the "resume" position restricting return movement. This will not allow the normal brake pedal operation to deactivate the system.
- The fix
- The shield portion of the "resume" slide lever in the speed control unit will be replaced without charge.
- The problem
- The stop lamp switches installed on the subject vehicles may have inadequate internal switch contact pressure due to an incorrect formation of the switch contact terminals. This lack of switch contact continuity may render the (stop) brake warning lights inoperative.
- The fix
- The stop lamp switches on all involved vehicles will be replaced and properly formed terminals will be installed at no cost to owner.
- The problem
- Brake fluid may contain an excessive amount of water. This can cause degradation of braking performance or brake failure under a variety of circumstances.
- The fix
- Existing brake fluid will be removed from brake system and brake system will be refilled with fresh brake fluid.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1981 Dodge Aries
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Right lower cross suspension is corroded, took to dealer and they installed an attachment reinforcement bracket.*Ak the vehicle had safety recall (89v-052) on corrosion of the front suspension cross member due to road salt used for snow removal. But the customer says corrosion occured due to a/c water discharging on to rear pivot mounts. *Yh
Dodge Aries: every year compared
All Aries years1981 Dodge Aries vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Dodge Aries | 2 | 4 | C | |
| 1981 Dodge Ram | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge B150 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge B250 | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Dodge Truck | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Challenger | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge D150 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Ramcharger | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1981 Dodge Aries
Does the 1981 Dodge Aries have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1981 Dodge Aries: lower arm (March 1989); vehicle speed control (September 1981); switch (August 1981); fluid (February 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Dodge Aries?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Dodge Aries had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 31, 2000 and the latest on August 7, 2000. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Dodge Aries a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Aries year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Aries years have the most complaints?
1988 (11), 1989 (10), 1987 (9). See every Dodge Aries year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Dodge Aries has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data