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E38 · Sedan

1987 Dodge Lancer

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1987 Dodge Lancer.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1987 Dodge Lancer

Recall·08E033000

Suspension

THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353.

Recall·89V038000

Parking brake

PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM COMPONENT MAY DISENGAGE.

Recall·88V105000

Fuel system

FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE…

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 9 owners reported

Fuel system3
Service brakes2
Engine and engine cooling1
Electrical system1

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1987 Dodge Lancer at a glance

Engine
2.2L 4-Cylinder, 2.5L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 3-spd, Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1987 Dodge Lancer?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1987 Dodge Lancer with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1987 Dodge Lancer reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1987 Dodge Lancer?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1987 Dodge Lancer listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.