1986 Dodge Diplomat recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
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 1986 DIPLOMAT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V053000.
- 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: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
Notes: SYSTEM: BATTERY, VENTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH BATTERIES FROM A SINGLE SUPPLIER.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1986 Dodge Diplomat owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1), Wheels / tires (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
10/24/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain
ON VEHICLE OF TRANSMISSION, LOST THE OVER DRIVE AND ALSO THE REVERSE GETTING A CLUNK WHEN SHIFT INTO REVERSE AT ANY SPEED ONLY HAD 14,000 ON THE VEHICLE (2) THE REVERSE PLATE ACCORDING TO A TRANSMISSION RESTORER WAS COMPLELETELY GROVED WAS UNABLE TO SALVAGE TRANSMISSION (3) HAD TO REBUILD ENTIRE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE REVERSE PLATE WITH T…
08/14/1996 · Wheels / tires · crash
LEFT FRONT TIRE/RIM BROKE OFF LUG STUDS, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
01/18/1996 · Seat belts · crash
THE SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT WHILE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT