MYRModel Year Report

1986 Dodge Lancer

○ Not enough data
1986 Dodge Lancer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T02:16:45.392Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
14

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 14 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1995: 1 complaint 1995 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 14 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1995: 1 complaint 1995 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 14 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1995: 1 complaint 1995 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1986: 14 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19851
198614
19878
19880
19892
19951
20013
20021

Known problem areas

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

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, 2006-07-24

Also filed under Electrical system and visibility

Electrical system

4 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

Service brakes

3 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Visibility

3 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and heater core.

Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-12

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-03-26Electrical system86V053000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1987-08-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-17 Seat failures
  3. I
    1987-11-17Engineering analysisClosed 1988-05-18 Seat attachment
  4. I
    1988-05-18CClosed 1989-10-30 Seat attachment failure
  5. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1990-12-10Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Trans park system failure
  7. 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

1986 Dodge Lancer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V053000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 88V105000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.