1988 Dodge Diplomat recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING WHEEL MAY CRACK AT ITS MOUNTING HUB WELD ATTACHMENT BECAUSE OF FATIGUE LOADING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.
What could happen: SEPARATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL FROM ITS MOUNTING HUBRESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUTWARNING.
The fix: REPLACE STEERING WHEELS WITH REVISED WHEEL WITH ARC WELDS ADDED AT THE WHEEL STAMPING-TO-HUB ATTACHMENT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 DIPLOMAT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V051000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL MAY CRACK AT ITS MOUNTING HUB WELD ATTACHMENT BECAUSE OF FATIGUE LOADING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL FROM ITS MOUNTING HUBRESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUTWARNING.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING WHEELS WITH REVISED WHEEL WITH ARC WELDS ADDED AT THE WHEEL STAMPING-TO-HUB ATTACHMENT.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING WHEEL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS; POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
What could happen: TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 DIPLOMAT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V164000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Consequence: TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL/ENGINE WIRING HARNESS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1988 Dodge Diplomat owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
10/10/1996 · Brakes · crash
WHILE DRIVING TRIED TO PUT ON BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP UNTILL IT CRASHED. *AK