1986 Dodge Lancer
Only 14 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 14 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 |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT A USED VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED AND HAS HAD MANY IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS. THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STALLING AND THE FRONT LEFT ALIGNMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060724
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VISIBILITY
4 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.
3 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and heater core.
3 of 14 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing linkages and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE DUE THE FACT THAT BOLTS CAME LOOSE, IN FOR REPAIR, DEALERSHIP WILL REPLACE BOLTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961212
SAFETY TIMELINE
BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING.
Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
Campaign 86V053000 — 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
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
1986 Dodge Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V053000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Dodge Lancer?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Dodge Lancer 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.