1985 Dodge Lancer
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seats
1 of 1 total report mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
Battery drains preventing vehicle from starting, must recharge battery to start vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1984-12-26Seat belts84V163000 Required front center seat belt assembly was omitted. Vehicles are not in compliance with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209, seat belt assemblies.
Remedy: Installation of missing center seat belt will be done without charge.
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1985-02-09Fuel system, gasoline85V010000 An engine compartment fuel hose routed to the fuel system pressure regulator may have an inadequately tightened hose clamp.
Remedy: Reposition and tighten to the proper torque level of the fuel hose clamp.
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I
1987-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-17 Seat failures
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I
1987-11-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-05-18 Seat attachment
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I
1988-05-18CClosed 1989-10-30 Seat attachment failure
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1988-11-15Fuel system, gasoline88V105000 Fuel leakage may occur in low ambient temperature operation at connections of an engine compartment fuel supply hose to the pressure regulator and to the fuel rail.
Remedy: Relocate pressure regulator; replace fuel supply with formed hose with revised routing configuration to ensure sealing integrity.
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1989-06-06Seats89V011000 Drivers seat frame may experience fatigue failure at one (Front/outboard) of its four attachments.
Remedy: Replace drivers seat frame with a strenghtened version; also, reinforce power adjuster front crossmember to increase rigidity of seat attachment system.
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I
1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Dodge Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V163000 · Seat belts
- Recall 85V010000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 88V105000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 89V011000 · Seats
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Dodge Lancer 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 Lancer?
- The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Dodge Lancer have?
- 5 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.