1987 Dodge Lancer 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 1987 LANCER.
- 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. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
What could happen: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
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 1987 LANCER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V105000.
- 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
Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L TURBO CHARGED ENGINE.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION;ALSO, LOOSE COMPONENT COULD JAM IN THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
The fix: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
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 1987 LANCER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V038000.
- 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: PARKING BRAKE
Summary: PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKE FUNCTION;ALSO, LOOSE COMPONENT COULD JAM IN THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARKING BRAKE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Dodge Lancer owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (5), Gasoline (5), Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2), Lights (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/26/1999 · Engine
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. OR SO, MINIMUM SPEED IS 25-30MPH IS 1ST…
11/05/1997 · Electrical system · fire
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. *AK
09/23/1997 · Fuel system
STRONG GASOLINE SMELL.
06/03/1997 · Brakes
TURN SIGNAL MODULE FAILED. ALSO, WHENSWITCH IS PULLED OUTWARD, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OUT. IN ADDITION, REAR DOOR POWER LOCKS DO NOT UNLOCK/LOCK FULLY; REAR BRAKE FAILURE, AND TWO FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. *AK
12/27/1996 · Brakes
TURN SIGNAL FAILED; ALSO, HEADLIGHTS/PARKING LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, AS WELL AS POWER DOOR LOCKS/REAR BRAKES AND TWO FUEL INJECTORS FAILED, CAUSING A LEAK. *AK
12/07/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
REAR AXLE BEAM FAILED TWICE. *AK
11/30/1995 · Fuel system · fire
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.*JB
07/11/1995 · Fuel system · fire
WHILE DRIVING IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAME FROM A ROTTEN GAS LINE WHICH ALLOWS GAS TO DRIP ON THE MANIFOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK