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1986 Dodge LancerProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 1986 Dodge Lancer, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints141 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage170kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 16, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Dodge Lancer has problems

14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling40
Steering30
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Electrical system30
Visibility20
Fuel system, gasoline21
Power train20
Interior lighting10
Fuel system, other10
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1986 Dodge Lancer recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other Lancer year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lancer median. How we score

'85'86'87'89'95'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Dodge Lancer, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILUREC88001 · closed Oct 30, 1989
    No recall
  2. SEAT ATTACHMENTEA88008 · closed May 18, 1988
    Led to recall 88V-061
  3. TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILUREEA91010 · closed Dec 31, 1991
    No recall
  4. SEAT FAILURESPE87045 · closed Nov 17, 1987
    No recall
In owners' words

What Lancer owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES WERE PERFORMED; TUNE UP, OIL CHANGE AND A NEW BATTERY WAS…
Complaint 10163344 · Jul 24, 2006 · 170,401 miles
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK THICK SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF THE EXHAUST UNIT. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE UP. *AK
Complaint 829631 · Dec 9, 1998
FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKE CAUSING ENGINE TO ROCK BACK & FORTH WHILE SWITCHED BETWEEN REVERSE & DRIVE, ENGINE SHOOK SEVERELY & BANGED UNDER SIDE OF HOOK WHEN IN REVERSE. *ET
Complaint 781430 · Oct 30, 1999

Own a 1986 Lancer?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.