AI Damage1988 Dodge Aries: common problems
Owners of the 1988 Dodge Aries filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 11
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 27% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 18% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 9% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 9% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 9% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 9% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
- Steering: 3 complaints (27% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (18% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (9% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (9% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 11 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Engine check light came on, opened hood and fire was shooting from the electrical wires near the fuel injection, vehicle burned to the ground. ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761962
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.
Upont starting the vehicle the rpms increased and in addition upon applying force to the gas pedal the vehicle suddly accelerated.
Rear axle control arm loosened/torqued, causing other damage to vehicle.
Steering column fell off of assembly while being parked. Owner aware of other dodge models w/similar problem having recalled. Please describe details. Tt
Bracket that holds the rear axle broke, causing rear wheel to rub against the gas tank pipe. Tt
Both seat belts in the front do not retract. In the event of an accident it is felt that they would not work. Tt
While going around a slight curve it was difficult to turn steering. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,520 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 29% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Aries has 4 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 11, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Dodge Aries?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 11. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (9%), smoke, burning smell, fire (9%), stalls while driving (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1988 Dodge Aries?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1988 Dodge Aries from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1988 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.