Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1986 Dodge DIPLOMAT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 33% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 33% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 33% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON VEHICLE OF TRANSMISSION, LOST THE OVER DRIVE AND ALSO THE REVERSE GETTING A CLUNK WHEN SHIFT INTO REVERSE AT ANY SPEED ONLY HAD 14,000 ON THE VEHICLE (2) THE REVERSE PLATE ACCORDING TO A TRANSMISSION RESTORER WAS COMPLELETELY GROVED WAS UNABLE TO SALVAGE TRANSMISSION (3) HAD TO REBUILD ENTIRE…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Dodge DIPLOMAT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.