AI Damage1985 Dodge Daytona: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Dodge Daytona filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and fuel system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 75% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 50% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (75% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (50% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The anti-freez tester tube came off and got into the radiator, caused car not to warm up. Yh
Right after driving vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment on the passenger's side. Owner was able to put out the fire. The fire did not burn the vehicle completely.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with motor. While driving vehicle stalled. The manufacturer has not been contacted.
Fuel rail leaked gas, causing fire prior to recall, owner not notified of recall.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Daytona has 12 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Dodge Daytona?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, fuel system. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (50%), stalls while driving (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Dodge Daytona?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1985 Dodge Daytona from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1985 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.