AI Damage1986 Dodge Daytona: common problems
Owners of the 1986 Dodge Daytona filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Latches, locks, linkages 25% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (25% 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
- 2.5 L · petrol · 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 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.
While driving the door handle won't open properly when using the handle. When it's cold outside the door will lock and the consumer has problems getting into the vehicle. When driving and hitting speed bumps the door opened, and a part from the rear seat belt came off. The consumer doesn't know where the part went to.
The vehicle caught on fire from under the hood while being driven. Owner smelled gas for two days prior to the fire.
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
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Dodge Daytona?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system, latches, locks, linkages. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: door locks, latches, handles (25%), seat belts (25%), smoke, burning smell, fire (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1986 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 1986 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 1986 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.