The Dodge ARIES spans 1981–1989 with 22 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1987, 1988, 1989 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1984, 1985. It delivers up to 26 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge ARIES is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1989 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge ARIES VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge ARIES carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this ARIES.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your ARIES, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge ARIES have?
The Dodge ARIES has 22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1989 Dodge ARIES recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
Risk. THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
Fix. REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1988 Dodge ARIES recalls 1
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1987 Dodge ARIES recalls 1
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1986 Dodge ARIES recalls 2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.
Fix. REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1985 Dodge ARIES recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
Fix. THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1984 Dodge ARIES recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
Fix. THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
Suspension
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1983 Dodge ARIES recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE COULD CAUSE IT TO CHAFE AGAINST THE PARK BRAKE CABLES. EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE TUBE MAY FAIL AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
Fix. DEALER WILL REROUTE THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBING ROUTED TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN BENT OUT OF SHAPE DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD CHAFE AGAINST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HANGER BOLT.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE TUBE, IF NECESSARY. A RETAINING CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FOR THE TUBING; ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. LOCATION OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBE TO BOTH REAR WHEELS CAUSES INTERFERENCE AND CHAFING BETWEEN THE TUBES AND REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM PIVOT BRACKETS.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT REAR WHEEL BRAKE TUBES AND REROUTE TO ENSURE PROPER TUBE TO PIVOT BRACKET CLEARANCE. ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. 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. CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
1982 Dodge ARIES recalls 4
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. 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. CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
What's wrong. CLAMP BOLTS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN CRACKS. EVENTUALLY THESE BOLTS MAY BREAK THROUGH, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.
Fix. DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH BALL JOINT STUD CLAMP BOLTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
What's wrong. THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BAY BE EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING AN EXCESS OF WATER.
Fix. DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE BRAKE FLUID WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1981 Dodge ARIES recalls 4
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED AND PROPERLY FORMED TERMINALS WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
What's wrong. BRAKE FLUID MAY CONTAIN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF WATER. THIS CAN CAUSE DEGRADATION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE OR BRAKE FAILURE UNDER A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fix. EXISTING BRAKE FLUID WILL BE REMOVED FROM BRAKE SYSTEM AND BRAKE SYSTEM WILL BE REFILLED WITH FRESH BRAKE FLUID.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. 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. CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
Best and worst years for the Dodge ARIES
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 1987, 1988, 1989 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1984, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 ARIES | Structure | Best | |
| 1982 ARIES | Fuel System | Average | |
| 1983 ARIES | Steering | Average | |
| 1984 ARIES | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1985 ARIES | Electrical System | Best | |
| 1986 ARIES | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1987 ARIES | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1988 ARIES | Steering | Avoid | |
| 1989 ARIES | Service Brakes | Avoid |
What are the most common Dodge ARIES problems?
The most-reported Dodge ARIES problems are Other (1 reports), Seats (1 reports) and Tires (1 reports) — out of 60 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge ARIES specifications & dimensions
The 1986–1989 Dodge ARIES measures 179″ long on a 100″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,423 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge ARIES window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986–1989 | 179″ | 68″ | 53″ | 100″ | 2,410 lb |
| 1983 | 176″ | 69″ | 52″ | 100″ | 2,577 lb |
| 1981 | 176″ | 69″ | 53″ | 100″ | 2,339 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge ARIES cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the ARIES holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 96 cu ft of passenger volume and 35 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge ARIES tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge ARIES get?
The Dodge ARIES returns up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,400/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1989 Dodge ARIES (2.2L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 355 g/mi CO₂ — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 ARIES | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 ARIES | 22 | 30 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 ARIES | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 ARIES | 22 | 32 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 ARIES | 23 | 30 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 ARIES | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the ARIES stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this ARIES's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Dodge ARIES have? Power & range
The Dodge ARIES is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.2L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Dodge ARIES cost to own?
A Dodge ARIES holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used ARIES is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this ARIES loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the ARIES ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Dodge ARIES safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the ARIES yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge ARIES last?
A well-maintained Dodge ARIES typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Dodge ARIES’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this ARIES’s VIN free →All Dodge ARIES model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge ARIES — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 ARIES | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1988 ARIES | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 ARIES | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 ARIES | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 ARIES | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 ARIES | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 ARIES | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1982 ARIES | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1981 ARIES | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the ARIES?
By owner-complaint volume, 1987, 1988, 1989 drew the most reports. 1981, 1984, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the ARIES have?
22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the ARIES get?
Up to 26 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a ARIES last?
A well-maintained ARIES typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the ARIES reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the ARIES is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge ARIES warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge ARIES made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your ARIES's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a ARIES weigh?
The ARIES's curb weight is around 2,423 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the ARIES have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.