VehicleVerdict

1986 Dodge LANCER problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 15.5 times the median LANCER year — the 1986 model ranks #1 of 8 LANCER years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (5), electrical system (4), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

31

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other LANCER years?

LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted31 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 31 complaints1987: 17 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 2 complaints1995: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 1 complaints
LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LANCER years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Dodge LANCER problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine516%
Brakes413%
Transmission413%
Electrical System413%
Visibility & Wipers310%
Fuel System310%
Steering310%
Lighting26%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 1986 Dodge LANCER 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.

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WELDS BETWEEN HEATING CORE AND HOSE ATTACHINGTUBING FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.ALSO, FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PINS WERE BENT/WHEN VEHICLE PUT INTO REVERSE,IT SHAKES/POWER STEERING MOUNTING BRACKET BECAME LOOSE, AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WELDS BETWEEN HEATING CORE AND HOSE ATTACHINGTUBING FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.ALSO, FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PINS WERE BENT/WHEN VEHICLE PUT INTO REVERSE,IT SHAKES/POWER STEERING MOUNTING BRACKET BECAME LOOSE, AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“WELDS BETWEEN HEATING CORE AND HOSE ATTACHINGTUBING FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.ALSO, FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PINS WERE BENT/WHEN VEHICLE PUT INTO REVERSE,IT SHAKES/POWER STEERING MOUNTING BRACKET BECAME LOOSE, AND FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK THICK SMOKE BLOWING OUT OF THE EXHAUST UNIT. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE UP. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 15, 1998

“1986 DODGE LANCER ALTERNATOR, TIRE, AND BATTERY PROBLEMS. *CB THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 21, 2006

1986 Dodge LANCER — common questions

Is the 1986 Dodge LANCER reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1986 model at #1 of 8 LANCER years. It is one of the LANCER years to avoid.

What are the most common 1986 LANCER problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1986 Dodge LANCER have recalls?

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

Is the 1986 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.