AI Damage1987 Dodge Lancer: common problems
Owners of the 1987 Dodge Lancer filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 13% of all complaints
- 4 Exterior lighting 13% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 6 Seat belts 13% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 13% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 4 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (13% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (13% 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 8 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 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 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.
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. Docs90153). For 20 mins.
When driver stopped the vehicle he noticed smoke coming from under the hood, and when he opened up the hood the fire flew out and burned the entire hood up.
Turn signal failed; also, headlights/parking lights malfunctioned, as well as power door locks/rear brakes and two fuel injectors failed, causing a leak.
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.
While driving it caught on fire. Came from a rotten gas line which allows gas to drip on the manifold. Please describe.
Have been replaced for not locking. Please describe further. Tt
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 11,896 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Lancer has 4 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 8, above 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.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Lancer?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (38%), door locks, latches, handles (13%), headlights and tail lights (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1987 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 1987 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 1987 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.