VehicleVerdict

1987 Dodge LANCER problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1987 Dodge LANCER — 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.

17

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other LANCER years?

LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted31 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 31 complaints1987: 17 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 2 complaints1995: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 1 complaints
LANCER NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LANCER years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Dodge LANCER problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System529%
Lighting529%
Brakes212%
Engine16%
Electrical System16%
Seat Belts16%
Body & Structure16%
Transmission16%

Does the 1987 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.

89V038000BrakesMarch 20, 1989 · 1,550 units

Defect

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION;ALSO, LOOSE COMPONENT COULD JAM IN THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.

Remedy

REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.TT CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TWICE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE GAS ODOR, BUT ON BOTH OCCASIONS THEY STATED THEY FIXED THE OIL LEAK, CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS HOSE STAYING ON TO THE LINE.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 1995 · fire

“TURN SIGNAL MODULE FAILED. ALSO, WHENSWITCH IS PULLED OUTWARD, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OUT. IN ADDITION, REAR DOOR POWER LOCKS DO NOT UNLOCK/LOCK FULLY; REAR BRAKE FAILURE, AND TWO FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

“TURN SIGNAL MODULE FAILED. ALSO, WHENSWITCH IS PULLED OUTWARD, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OUT. IN ADDITION, REAR DOOR POWER LOCKS DO NOT UNLOCK/LOCK FULLY; REAR BRAKE FAILURE, AND TWO FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“EFFECT BEGAN 07/26/1999 AND OCCURS 3+ TIMES PER MONTH. MAY CLEAR AFTER REACHING FULL OPERATING TEMPERATUE AT 60+ MPH (20 MINUTES). DEALER VERY HELPFUL, AND RESET IDLE SPEED REGISTER SEVERAL TIMES. "TEST DROVE, CHK AIS MOTOR O.K., HIGH IDLE REMAINS O.K.; RESET ALL VALUES" IN REGISTERS. (INV.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 25, 1999

1987 Dodge LANCER — common questions

Is the 1987 Dodge LANCER reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 LANCER problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), lighting (5 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Dodge LANCER have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Dodge LANCER. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Dodge LANCER under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.