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.

1985 Dodge Charger

○ Not enough data

1985 Dodge Charger
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:43.721Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 2
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1985: 2 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1983	0
1984	1
1985	2
1986	0
1987	0
2001	3
2005	0
2006	1,294
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	58
2021	34
2022	16
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.

Electrical system

4 of 2 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

FIRE

Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-29

Power train

2 of 2 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle shaft and axle assembly.

Visibility

1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.

Show complaint excerpts

Tail light broke from being pushed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Steering

1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion).

Service brakes

1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1984-09-13Engine and engine cooling84V116000 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…

Remedy: All involved vehicles will be corrected by removing the emissions system valve and installing a vacuum line connector in its place.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1984-12-14Fuel system, gasoline84V147000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Dodge Charger — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 84V116000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 84V147000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.