1989 Dodge Lancer problems

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The Dodge Lancer is an automobile that was marketed in three unrelated versions by Dodge during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s. The first version debuted as a hardtop version of the full-sized 1955 Dodge, and was produced in that form until 1959. The second version revived the nameplate in 1961 for a Chrysler A platform-based compact that was marketed for two model years and replaced by the Dodge Dart. The third version returned the Lancer nameplate in 1985 for a front-wheel drive mid-sized Chrysler H platform model that was in production until 1988 after which it was replaced by the Dodge Spirit.

1955–1959 Coronet Lancer, Royal Lancer and Custom Royal Lancer

Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 until 1959 to designate the two- and four-door hardtop (no B-pillar) models in the full-sized Coronet, Royal, and Custom Royal lines. The Custom Royal Lancer was a hardtop only and top-of-the-line model for Dodge in 1959. There were 6,278 two-door and 5,019 four-door hardtops made in 1959. A total of 11,397 Custom Royal Lancers were built.

The Custom Royal Lancer featured a big-block V8 engine, the 361 cu in (5.9 L) producing 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS). A D-500 option was available, which included a 383 cu in (6.3 L) engine with a single Carter four-barrel carburetor rated at 320 hp (239 kW; 324 PS), as well as a Super D-500 version with dual four-barrel carburetors producing 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS).

The Custom Royal Lancer featured a padded dashboard and steering wheel, Lancer emblems on the fenders, steering wheel, hubcaps, foot-operated windshield wipers, dual-radio antennas, deluxe side trim, and thick chrome eyebrows. Optional equipment included power windows and brakes, air conditioning, and swivel seats. The Lancer designation was dropped for 1960.

1989 Dodge Lancer

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Common 1989 Dodge Lancer problems

The Dodge Lancer 1989 is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most frequent issues is related to the engine, specifically with the 2.2L and 2.5L four-cylinder engines.

Another common problem with the Dodge Lancer 1989 is related to the transmission. The stock transmission in the 1986 Dodge Lancer ES, for example, was known to go out after being subjected to abuse. This issue was resolved by replacing the transmission with a new unit, which then functioned properly.

The clear-coat on the Dodge Lancer 1989 is also known to have problems. In some cases, the clear-coat has been reported to oxidize and strip off severely, leading to a need for repainting or other repairs.

The turbocharger in the 1986 Dodge Lancer ES is another component that has been reported to cause issues. In some cases, the turbocharger has been found to be temperamental, working sometimes and not working at other times, with dealers and independent mechanics unable to diagnose the problem.

Despite these issues, the Dodge Lancer 1989 has also been praised by its owners for its reliability and performance. One owner of a 1986 Dodge Lancer ES reported that the car has 224,000 miles on it and still runs like new, outperforming other cars on the road.

In summary, the Dodge Lancer 1989 is known for several common problems, including issues with the engine, transmission, clear-coat, and turbocharger. However, many owners have reported that the car is reliable and performs well, even with high mileage.

1989 Dodge Lancer engine

1989 Dodge Lancer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Lancer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Dodge Lancer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Dodge Lancer complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Dodge Lancer.

1997-02-14

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1B3BH48K6KN
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: RETURN LINE TO GAS TANK LEAKED, CAUSING FIRE.
1996-01-16

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1B3B868J6KN
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: UPON IMPACT, DURING REAR END COLLISION AT APPROX. 25MPH, DRIVER'S SEAT BACK REST BROKE THEN COLLAPSED REARWARD. TT

1989 Dodge Lancer recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Dodge Lancer.

2008-04-14
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
  • Components: 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.
1989-12-27
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.
  • Consequence: THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.
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