VehicleVerdict

1985 Dodge Charger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1985 Dodge Charger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Charger years?

Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted1,904 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 13 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints2001: 4 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1,904 complaints2007: 678 complaints2008: 835 complaints2009: 229 complaints2010: 303 complaints2011: 1,037 complaints2012: 957 complaints2013: 489 complaints2014: 529 complaints2015: 196 complaints2016: 264 complaints2017: 194 complaints2018: 167 complaints2019: 161 complaints2020: 74 complaints2021: 41 complaints2022: 19 complaints2023: 46 complaints2024: 19 complaints2025: 38 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Charger years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Dodge Charger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System431%
Transmission215%
Engine18%
Fuel System18%
Lighting18%
Steering18%
Brakes18%
Visibility & Wipers18%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)18%

Does the 1985 Dodge Charger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

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 WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

84V147000Fuel SystemNovember 21, 1984 · 340,000 units

Defect

THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.

Remedy

THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.

84V116000EngineSeptember 24, 1984 · 2,385 units

Defect

AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COASTING, OR TURNING.

Remedy

ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE AND BURNED EVERYTHING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. TT WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED ALL PLASTIC AND RUBBER PARTS ON MOTOR , CONSUMER STATES IT HAD FILLED WITH SMOKE ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 19, 1995 · fire

1985 Dodge Charger — common questions

Is the 1985 Dodge Charger reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 Charger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), climate control (a/c & heat) (1 complaints).

Does the 1985 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Charger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Charger years to avoid are 2006, 2011, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2016, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2021, 2025, 2005. The cleanest record among Charger years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.