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 PER YEAR
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.
1 of 1 total report mentions: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
BUCKET SEATS NOT ATTACHED PROPERLY, CAUSING SEATS TO DROP.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
BATTERY DRAINS PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING, MUST RECHARGE BATTERY TO START VEHICLE. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 84V163000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 85V010000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT FAILURES
SEAT ATTACHMENT
SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILURE
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.
Campaign 88V105000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 89V011000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
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 Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V010000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V011000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.