Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Dodge DIPLOMAT. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Dodge DIPLOMAT,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1976–1989 with 16 recall campaigns and 9 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 1978 (3), 1988 (2), and 1982 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 1985 (4), 1986 (3), and 1988 (1).
Top recall themes: Brakes, Electrical, and Steering and suspension.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Exterior lighting:turn signal:switch.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Brakes
2 campaigns · Years: 1976–1978, 1980
These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Official notices (evidence):
79V204000
· Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
77V188000
· Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Electrical
2 campaigns · Years: 1986, 1988
These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Dodge DIPLOMAT in NHTSA complaint data are
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Exterior lighting:turn signal:switch.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
1989
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1988
2
1
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components.
1987
0
1
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt.
1986
1
3
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:webbing, Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, Power train:automatic transmission.
1985
0
4
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Exterior lighting:turn signal:switch.
1982
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1981
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1980
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1978
3
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1977
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1976
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Service brakes
, Steering
and Latches/locks/linkages
Show recall evidence by year
1989
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The steering wheel may crack at its mounting hub weld attachment because of fatigue loading and eventually separate from the hub.
1988
Electrical system: Front underhood:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Engine compartment wiring harness fusible link wires may be trapped under the speed control servo bracket.
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The steering wheel may crack at its mounting hub weld attachment because of fatigue loading and eventually separate from the hub.
1986
Electrical system: 12V/24v/48v battery:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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, t
1982
Vehicle speed control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Excessive heat may be transferred to the vehicle floor pan in the rear seat area. This occurs because the muffler heat shield was omitted during manufacture of certain fleet cars. Rear seat cushions may be scorched by heat.
1981
Fuel system, gasoline: Carburetor system:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Engine may lose power or stall due to carburetor flooding. This is caused by a poor electrical ground on the carburetor fuel bowl vent solenoid. Vehicles may also have driveability problems while the engine is warming up in cold weather. These problems include engine missing, sags, and hesitation
Vehicle speed control:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
1980
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The front brake hose routing on the involved vehicles may allow interference between the hoses and the front tires during extreme turning angles.
1978
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, damage to the front wheel brake hydraulic system could occur due to front wheel brake line tube corrosion. Front wheel brake hoses may become brittle and crack due to prolonged operation in cold temperatures.
Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The columns may contain steering shafts in which the steering column coupling roll pin retaining notch was machined too deep. This may cause the steering wheel shaft to become disengaged from the rest of the steering assembly.
Latches/locks/linkages:
Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, the hood secondary catch system may be misaligned which may cause the secondary catch to malfunction. Consequently, the hood may not be securely latched.
1977
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, damage to the front wheel brake hydraulic system could occur due to front wheel brake line tube corrosion. Front wheel brake hoses may become brittle and crack due to prolonged operation in cold temperatures.
Latches/locks/linkages:
Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, the hood secondary catch system may be misaligned which may cause the secondary catch to malfunction. Consequently, the hood may not be securely latched.
1976
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, damage to the front wheel brake hydraulic system could occur due to front wheel brake line tube corrosion. Front wheel brake hoses may become brittle and crack due to prolonged operation in cold temperatures.
Latches/locks/linkages:
Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On the involved vehicles, the hood secondary catch system may be misaligned which may cause the secondary catch to malfunction. Consequently, the hood may not be securely latched.
Other Dodge Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Dodge models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
