VehicleVerdict

1986 Dodge Charger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Charger years?

Charger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 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, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Charger years to avoid →

Does the 1986 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.

91V056000SuspensionApril 11, 1991 · 55,000 units

Defect

REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLTS MAY FAIL FROM STRESS CORROSION CRACKING POSSIBLY CAUSED BY PROCESSING DEVIATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIVOT BOLT.

Consequence

FAILURE OF BOLTS MAY RESULT IN PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THEREAR SUSPENSION FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUTWARNING AND A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLT WITH A PROPERLY PROCESSED BOLT.

86V053000Electrical SystemApril 10, 1986 · 32,149 units

Defect

BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.

Remedy

REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.

1986 Dodge Charger — common questions

Is the 1986 Dodge Charger reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Dodge Charger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Dodge Charger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Dodge Charger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.