1981 Plymouth Reliant
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Plymouth › Reliant › 1981
These records cover every 1981 Plymouth Reliant. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1981 Plymouth Reliant. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Control arm could detach from the crossmember, adverselyaffecting directional stability, which could result in an accident.
Remedy
Install attachment reinforcement brackets to prevent control arm detachment as a result of corrosion weakening.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
The shield portion of the "resume" slide lever in the speed control unit will be replaced without charge.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
The stop lamp switches on all involved vehicles will be replaced and properly formed terminals will be installed at no cost to owner.
Brake fluid may contain an excessive amount of water. This can cause degradation of braking performance or brake failure under a variety of circumstances.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Existing brake fluid will be removed from brake system and brake system will be refilled with fresh brake fluid.
Owner complaints
2 complaints1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Equipment · Unknown or other
1981 plymouth reliant k-car. consumer states accelerator problems. *tgw the consumer stated his parents purchased the above mentioned vehicle. But, since he did most of the driving, he asked them if he could install cruise control. He then purchased it and installed it himself. the unit…
1981 plymouth reliant k-car. consumer states accelerator problems. *tgw the consumer stated his parents purchased the above mentioned vehicle. But, since he did most of the driving, he asked them if he could install cruise control. He then purchased it and installed it himself. the unit received its control pulses from magnets around the drive shaft, with a magnetic pick up sensor. After about eight months, the unit he installed started to act erratic. Sometimes he would set the cruise speed, but when he approached traffic, he tapped the cancel button, the vehicle would continue to speed up. There was no effect when applying the brake pedal. The consumer then purchased another cruise control unit and experienced the same problem.
- Structure › Frame and members
Death resulted from side impact, attorney for client. *aw
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Trans park system failure
There is no summary currently available
- Frame corrosion
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- Frame and chassis components
Frame and chassis components
- Engine compartment fires
There is no summary currently available
Every Plymouth Reliant model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.