1987 Dodge Lancer
Only 8 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 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors and fuel injection system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.TT CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TWICE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE GAS ODOR, BUT ON BOTH OCCASIONS THEY STATED THEY FIXED THE OIL LEAK, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS HOSE STAYING ON...
NHTSA ODI report, 19951130
WHILE DRIVING IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAME FROM A ROTTEN GAS LINE WHICH ALLOWS GAS TO DRIP ON THE MANIFOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950711
4 of 8 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal and switch.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 89V038000 — 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
1987 Dodge Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V038000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Dodge Lancer?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.