Selling a dead or junk Dodge Diplomat

A Diplomat that won't start, or one that's been parked under a tarp for years, can be sold the way it is. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

The late second generation

Wikipedia dates the second generation to the 1980 model year, with new sheet metal. By 1982 the coupe and station wagon were gone, so every Diplomat in the EPA data is a four-door sedan. It rode on the rear-drive M-body, built in Fenton, Missouri, at Saint Louis Assembly. Wikipedia also says Chrysler met with American Motors about using spare capacity at a plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to build the cars. Engines for these years: the 225 cu in Slant 6 and the 318 cu in V8.

Late in the run, Wikipedia says, the car needed premium unleaded and was hit with the federal Gas Guzzler Tax. Police package cars made up about half of production after the coupe and wagon were dropped. Production ended in December 1988.

Recalls on the 1986 and 1988-1989

• 86V053 (1986): the battery cap vents could be clogged by leftover plastic flashing, letting gas pressure build until the case ruptures, mainly after charging. 32,149 vehicles in the campaign.
• 87V164 (1988): fusible link wires in the engine bay could be trapped under the speed control servo bracket. 12,000 vehicles.
• 91V051 (1988-1989): the steering wheel could crack where it is welded to the hub and come apart from it. The fix was a revised wheel with added welds. 12,000 vehicles.

The campaign counts include other models, so none of them is a Diplomat-only number.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Taken from NHTSA's complaint records on October 10, 2026. Seven complaints is a thin record, and the later cars had fewer years for owners to report anything.

Restore it or sell it?

Check the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup. On a 1988 or 1989, a steering wheel that flexes or clicks at the hub matches what 91V051 described. If the car is a stalled restoration, old project car covers selling it unfinished. If it has simply sat, read sitting for years before you buy a battery and fuel.

Selling a Diplomat whole

1. Collect the VIN, the engine (Slant 6 or V8), the mileage and the faults.
2. Ask for an offer online or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe where it's parked, and mention any police-package history.
4. Leave it complete, and tell us about anything missing.
5. Have the title at pickup, or see selling with no title.

Other Dodge sedans: the Aries, Dynasty, or every Dodge.