VehicleVerdict

1985 Dodge LANCER problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1985 Dodge LANCER — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other LANCER years?

LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted31 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 31 complaints1987: 17 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 2 complaints1995: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 1 complaints
LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LANCER years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Dodge LANCER problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Seats150%

Does the 1985 Dodge LANCER have recalls?

5 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.

89V011000SeatsJanuary 31, 1989 · 60,000 units

Defect

DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT

Remedy

REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.

88V105000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1988 · 580,000 units

Defect

FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.

85V010000Fuel SystemJanuary 1, 1985 · 53,000 units

Defect

AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL HOSE ROUTED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE REGULATOR MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED HOSE CLAMP. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE FUEL HOSE COULD LEAK AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.

84V163000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 1984 · 208 units

Defect

REQUIRED FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS OMITTED. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Remedy

INSTALLATION OF MISSING CENTER SEAT BELT WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.

1985 Dodge LANCER — common questions

Is the 1985 Dodge LANCER reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Dodge LANCER have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Dodge LANCER. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Dodge LANCER under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge LANCER years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LANCER years to avoid are 1986. The cleanest record among LANCER years belongs to 1988.

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.