Dodge LANCER years to avoid
The Dodge LANCER years to avoid are 1986 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1988 is the cleanest year on record.
59
Total complaints
8
Recall campaigns
1985–2002
Years covered
1
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
LANCER years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | High complaint rate | 31 |
Every LANCER year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1995 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1989 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1988 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1987 | 17 | 3 | |
| 1986avoid | 31 | 3 | |
| 1985 | 2 | 5 |
Common questions
What are the worst Dodge LANCER years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the LANCER years to avoid are 1986. The cleanest year on record is 1988.
What is the best year for the Dodge LANCER?
By complaint volume, 1988 has the cleanest NHTSA record among LANCER years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Dodge LANCER have?
Across all model years, the LANCER has 8 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 59 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.