1986 Dodge Omni problems

General information about Dodge-Omni
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Dodge Omni and the nearly identical badge engineered variant, the Plymouth Horizon, is a subcompact car manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Corporation for model years 1978-1990. The first Chrysler model line produced with front-wheel drive, the Omni and Horizon were also the first front-wheel drive economy cars assembled in the United States. Marketed for eleven years with very few changes, around 2,500,000 Omnis and Horizons were manufactured, with the Plymouth variants more popular than the Dodge-branded models.

The first (and only) world car designed by Chrysler, the model line originated from a design of Chrysler Europe (who developed the namesake Chrysler Horizon). While visually similar, the American Omni/Horizon would have extensive functional differences from its European counterpart, primarily to accommodate US marketing and regulatory requirements.

From 1977 to 1990, Chrysler manufactured the Omni and Horizon at its Belvidere Assembly Plant facility (Belvidere, Illinois); from 1987 to 1989, the model line was manufactured under contract by American Motors Corporation (AMC) at its own facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From 1987 to 1990, the model line was marketed alongside its successor, the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance hatchback sedan.

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Common 1986 Dodge Omni problems

The Dodge Omni, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler, is a subcompact car that has been on the road since 1978. Despite its long history, there are several common problems that have been reported by owners of the 1986 Dodge Omni.

One of the most common problems reported by Dodge Omni owners is related to the engine. The most common engine problems occur at 144,000 miles, with the worst model years for engine problems being the 1988 and 1986 Omni. The specific engine problems reported include blown heads and cracked heads, which can be costly to repair.

Another common problem reported by Dodge Omni owners is related to the steering system. The most-reported problem is with the 1987 Dodge Omni for "steering wheel keeps turning, tires don't move". This issue can be dangerous, as it can cause a loss of control while driving. The average cost to fix this problem is not available, but the average mileage when the problem occurs is 100,000 miles.

The Dodge Omni also has some unique design features that have caused problems for some owners. For example, the rear door windows do not roll down completely, which can be inconvenient for passengers. These changes may have caused compatibility issues with aftermarket parts or accessories.

Finally, the Dodge Omni has some issues related to its fuel efficiency. While the car was designed to be more fuel-efficient than previous models, some owners have reported problems with the fuel system, such as fuel leaks or difficulty starting the car. These issues can be costly to repair and may affect the car's overall performance.

In conclusion, while the Dodge Omni has been a popular car for many years, there are several common problems reported by owners, including engine problems, steering issues, design flaws, and fuel efficiency problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may affect the car's overall performance and safety.

Did the Dodge Omni have a VW engine?

For 1981 Chrysler offered buyers a new engine. Option some years have passed since the Omni Horizons launch and Chrysler had been working on their own in-house four-cylinder. A new 2.2 liter 4 with 84

How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni have?

Built just for model years 1984 through 1986, the Omni GLH packed a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 146 horsepower, which made for good performance given that the car weighed 2,200lbs.

What does GLH stand for on a Dodge Omni?

Goes Like Hell

The 1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S was a modified Dodge Omni GLH, with changes made at the Shelby factory. They were retitled as Shelby Automobiles cars sold at select Dodge dealerships. GLH stood for "Goes Like Hell" and GLH-S stood for Goes Like Hell S'more. Just 500 were made.

How much horsepower does a 1986 Dodge Omni have?

93 hp

Chrysler's 2.2 L K-car engine appeared for the 1981 model year as an upmarket option to the Volkswagen engine, mated to a new four-speed manual with an overdrive fourth. It produced 84 hp (63 kW) at first, rising to 93 hp (69 kW) in 1986.

How much horsepower does a 1986 Dodge Omni have?

93 hp

Did the Dodge Omni have a VW engine?

How much horsepower does a 1985 Dodge Omni have?

Built just for model years 1984 through 1986, the Omni GLH packed a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 146 horsepower, which made for good performance given that the car weighed 2,200lbs.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Dodge Omni have?

Specifications for Dodge Omni 2.2 94hp, 1989.

1986 Dodge Omni car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Structure problems
Exterior lighting problems
Seats problems
Seat belts problems
Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Dodge Omni vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Dodge Omni complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Dodge Omni.

1996-05-06

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-06-22
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: SEATS
Summary: VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: REPLACED BROKEN GLOVE COMPARTMENT HINGE.

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: REPLACED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DUE TO FRAYED MATERIAL ON BELT.

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: REPLACED DOOR SEALS.

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: REPLACED A/C CONDENSOR.

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1995-03-10

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: WHEELS
Summary: WHEEL REPLACED DUE TO STRIPPED STUDS.

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SHORT IN LIGHTING SYSTEM, CAUSING INTERIOR LIGHTS TO COME ON.

Add Complaint

1995-03-10

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY.

Add Complaint

1995-02-14

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-02-14
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: GAS TANK COMBUSTION. *AW

Add Complaint

1986 Dodge Omni recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Dodge Omni.

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.

1991-04-11

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLTS MAY FAIL FROM STRESS CORROSION CRACKING POSSIBLY CAUSED BY PROCESSING DEVIATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PIVOT BOLT.
Consequence: FAILURE OF BOLTS MAY RESULT IN PARTIAL SEPARATION OF THEREAR SUSPENSION FROM THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUTWARNING AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM-TO-HANGER BRACKET PIVOT BOLT WITH A PROPERLY PROCESSED BOLT.

1988-07-01

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: 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.

1986-04-10

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN CASE RUPTURE, PARTICULARLY DURING POST CHARGING. SHOULD A PERSON BE IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY WHEN THE CASE RUPTURES, THEY MAY BE INJURED BY THE RELEASED GASES AND/OR ACID.
Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Dodge Omni problems:

Looking to buying 2011 Dodge Ram Nitro need your advice! | Turbo ...

https://www.turbododge.com/threads/looking-to-buying-2011-dodge-ram-nitro-need-your-advice.1258991/

Mar 6, 2023 ... Additionally, I'm interested in any insights or opinions on the 2011 Dodge Ram Nitro and its engine. Are there any known issues or common ...

The truth about the Dodge Omni GLH: Did it really GLH? | Articles ...

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/we-were-there-dodge-omni/

Apr 20, 2023 ... The problem with the Omni GLH is the “Omni” part of the equation. However much work Shelby did to these cars, they were still just lousy cars to ...

Engine - Omni Oil leaking From Pressure Sender | Turbo Dodge ...

https://www.turbododge.com/threads/omni-oil-leaking-from-pressure-sender.1232330/

Oct 19, 2017 ... These have been known to leak through the body of the sender and not past the threads. It happened to me on my Omni. I thought mine was leaking ...