AI Damage1986 Dodge Lancer: common problems
Owners of the 1986 Dodge Lancer filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 29% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 21% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 21% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 21% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 14% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 14% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (29% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Steering: 3 complaints (21% 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-speednamed in 1 complaints
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 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 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
1986 dodge lancer alternator, tire, and battery problems. The consumer also experienced problems with the vehicle's fuel pump.
There are problems with vehicle stalling and the front left alignment. The vehicle was towed to dealer where the following services were performed; tune up, oil change and a new battery was replaced.
5 speed manual transmission failed causing the vehiicle to shake, cluth chatter when vehicle is put into reverse, when vehicle is moving the gear selector cannot be put into first gear until the vehicle is nearly stopped.
Caliper pins on both sides were bent & needed to be replaced during a brake pad change.
Power steering mounting bracket connection at the engine became extremely loose.
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.
Fuel line failed causing gasoline to be sprayed on the exhaust system, firewall and hood pad. Nlm
Front brakes locked up. Fluid return valve in master cylinder plugged. Replaced pads, rotors, master cylinder.
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 9,551 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Lancer has 4 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 14, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Dodge Lancer?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, electrical system, fuel system. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (14%), steering or power steering problems (14%), vibration (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1986 Dodge Lancer?
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 Lancer 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.