Dodge LANCER recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Dodge LANCER, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Dodge LANCER. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Dodge LANCER, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1985–2002 with 9 recall campaigns and 59 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1985 (4), 1987 (2), and 1986 (2).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1986 (31), 1987 (17), and 2001 (4).
- Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Seats and restraints, and Brakes.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:manual transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 1985–1987These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Seats and restraints
2 campaigns · Years: 1985These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 1987These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 89V038000 · Parking brake
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 1986These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
- 86V053000 · Electrical system: 12V/24v/48v battery
Engine and cooling
1 campaign · Years: 1989These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
- 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Dodge LANCER in NHTSA complaint data are Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:manual transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags. |
| 2001 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt, Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch, Power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive). |
| 1995 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:wiring:front underhood. |
| 1989 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:delivery, Seats:front assembly:recliner. |
| 1987 | 2 | 17 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:turn signal, Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:injectors, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum. |
| 1986 | 2 | 31 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:manual transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper. |
| 1985 | 4 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery, Seats. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Fuel system , Engine and engine cooling and Parking brake
Other Dodge Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Dodge models.
- 400 1981–1983
- 600 1981–1988
- ARIES 1981–1989
- Avenger 1995–2014
- Caliber 2006–2012
- Caravan 1984–2004
- Challenger 1981–2027
- Charger 1983–2027
- Colt 1981–1995
- Conquest 1981–1988
- D-Series 1981–1993
- D50 1981–1986
- Dakota 1987–2012
- Dart 2013–2016
- Daytona 1984–1993
- DIPLOMAT 1981–1989
- Durango 1995–2027
- Dynasty 1981–1993
- Grand Caravan 1988–2023
- Hornet 2023–2027
- Intrepid 1993–2004
- Journey 2009–2023
- Magnum 2005–2008
- Mini Ram 1984–1988
- Mirada 1981–1983
- Monaco 1981–1992
- Neon 1994–2005
- Nitro 2007–2012
- OMNI 1981–1990
- Raider 1985–1989
- Ram 1994–2012
- RAM 50 1987–1993
- Ram Van 1980–2003
- Ram Wagon 1980–2003
- Ramcharger 1981–1997
- Rampage 1982–1984
- Shadow 1987–1994
- Spirit 1989–1995
- Sprinter 2005–2009
- ST.REGIS 1981–1981
- Stealth 1991–1996
- Stratus 1995–2006
- Viper 1992–2017
- W-Series 1981–1993
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.