1985 Dodge Charger
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1294 |
| 2007 | 554 |
| 2008 | 609 |
| 2009 | 174 |
| 2010 | 232 |
| 2011 | 695 |
| 2012 | 648 |
| 2013 | 359 |
| 2014 | 343 |
| 2015 | 136 |
| 2016 | 182 |
| 2017 | 128 |
| 2018 | 122 |
| 2019 | 120 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 5 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 2 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE AND BURNED EVERYTHING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. TT WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED ALL PLASTIC AND RUBBER PARTS ON MOTOR , CONSUMER STATES IT HAD FILLED WITH SMOKE ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19951129
2 of 2 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle shaft and axle assembly.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
TAIL LIGHT BROKE FROM BEING PUSHED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19951026
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion).
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COAST
Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.
Campaign 84V116000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 84V147000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WIT
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Dodge Charger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V116000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V147000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Dodge Charger reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Dodge Charger?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 200% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Dodge Charger have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.