1985 Dodge Charger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
What could happen: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POS…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E033000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COASTING, OR TURNING.
What could happen:
The fix: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V116000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
Summary: AN EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE MAY ALLOW AN OVERLY RICH MIXTURE (EXCESSIVE FUEL) IN THE ENGINE DURING DECELERATION. THE MIXTURE OF AIR AND EXCESSIVE FUEL CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE STOPPING, COASTING, OR TURNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE CORRECTED BY REMOVING THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM VALVE AND INSTALLING A VACUUM LINE CONNECTOR IN ITS PLACE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2 LITER CARBURETEDENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; EMISSION CONTROL VAPOR CANISTER VACUUM PURGE DELAY VALVE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: A STALLED VEHICLE MAY PRESENT A HAZARD TO TRAFFIC ANDCOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
What could happen:
The fix: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 CHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V147000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FUEL RESERVOIR SEAM AND ITS HOSE CONNECTIONS. THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS A SILVER COLORED CAN MOUNTED TO THE AIR CLEANER.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE HOSES AND THE METAL TUBE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEW COMPONENTS. THE DEALER WILL ALSO REPLACE OR RESEAL THE RESERVOIR.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.2LITER CARBURETED ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM; FUEL RESERVOIR.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF FUEL LEAKAGE DEVELOPS, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THEENGINE COMPARTMENT AND COULD CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.NOTE: THE DEALER SHOULD BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY IF FUEL ODOR IS PRESENT IN THEENGINE COMPARTMENT OR IF THE FUEL RESERVOIR IS LEAKING.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Dodge Charger owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Lights (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/29/1995 · Electrical system · fire
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE AND BURNED EVERYTHING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. TT WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED ALL PLASTIC AND RUBBER PARTS ON MOTOR , CONSUMER STATES IT HAD FILLED WITH SMOKE ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. *SLC
08/22/1995 · Lights
TAIL LIGHT BROKE FROM BEING PUSHED.
08/22/1995 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WATER LEAKS THROUGH WINDSHIELD ONTO COMPUTER.
08/22/1995 · Electrical system
PROBLEM WITH STARTER WIRING.
08/22/1995 · Electrical system
INTERMITTENT STALLING.
08/22/1995 · Electrical system
ALTERNATOR REPLACED FIVE TIMES.
08/22/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE.
08/22/1995 · Engine
THERMOSTAT FAILURE.