1988 Dodge Diplomat
US · Midsize Cars
The 1988 Dodge Diplomat is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 5.2L 8-cylinder (POLICE) (FFS) 2 barrel carb), 5.2L 8-cylinder (FFS), 5.2L 8-cylinder (POLICE) (FFS) 4 barrel carb)
- Transmission
- 3-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 5.2L 8-cylinder (POLICE) (FFS) 2 barrel carb), 5.2L 8-cylinder (FFS), 5.2L 8-cylinder (POLICE) (FFS) 4 barrel carb) | |
| Displacement | 5.2 L | |
| Cylinders | 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 3 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 11 mpg (21.4 L/100 km) to 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
3 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
91V051000: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE STEERING WHEEL MAY CRACK AT ITS MOUNTING HUB WELD ATTACHMENT BECAUSE OF FATIGUE LOADING AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE FROM THE HUB.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING WHEELS WITH REVISED WHEEL WITH ARC WELDS ADDED AT THE WHEEL STAMPING-TO-HUB ATTACHMENT.
Reported April 8, 1991. View on NHTSA
87V164000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Remedy: FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
Reported October 22, 1987. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 22, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 Dodge Diplomat
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 5.2L 8-cylinder ((GUZZLER) (FFS)), 5.2L 8-cylinder ((POLICE) (FFS) 2 barrel carb), 5.2L 8-cylinder ((POLICE) (FFS) 4 barrel carb) · RWD
17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km) - 1989 Dodge Diplomat
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 5.2L 8-cylinder ((POLICE) (FFS)), 5.2L 8-cylinder ((GUZZLER) (FFS)) · RWD
17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Dodge Diplomat have?
Varies by configuration: 5.2L 8-cylinder ((POLICE) (FFS) 2 barrel carb), 5.2L 8-cylinder ((FFS)), 5.2L 8-cylinder ((POLICE) (FFS) 4 barrel carb). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Dodge Diplomat?
Combined fuel economy is 12 mpg (19.6 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Dodge Diplomat front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Dodge Diplomat?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.