Model year guide

1986 Chrysler Laser

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Chrysler Laser is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1986 Chrysler Laser — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Chrysler Laser at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints3
Combined19–26 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Chrysler Laser recalls 3

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #88V105000 · 01/07/1988

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.

Fix: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery NHTSA Campaign #86V053000 · 10/04/1986

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.

Fix: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Chrysler Laser common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1986 Chrysler Laser MPG & running costs

Combined19–26 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,350
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume83 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1986 Chrysler Laser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,750
Fuel only$16,750
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
175.2 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
50.4 in
Wheelbase
96.9 in
Curb weight
2,588–2,690 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1986 Chrysler Laser — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

HORN FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #PE89016 · Exterior Lighting · opened Nov 1988 · closed Feb 1989

SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #C88001 · Seats · opened May 1988 · closed Oct 1989

SEAT ATTACHMENT Closed

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED ONE SERVICE BULLETIN, HON-ORED 4,028 WARRANTY CLAIMS, SOLD 2,700 SEATS, AND 2,491 ADJUSTMENT REIN-FORCEMENTS. THE SUBJECT DEFECT APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE GM J-BODY RE-CALL (87V-079) OF MAY 1987 IN WHICH 1,136,407 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED. INTHAT RECALL THERE WERE 159 COMPLAINTS, 17 ALLEGED ACCIDENTS, AND 26 RE-PORTED INJURIES FOR ABOUT SIX TIMES AS MANY CARS. CHRYSLER H…

NHTSA #EA88008 · Seats · opened Nov 1987 · closed May 1988

SEAT FAILURES Closed

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED ONE SERVICE BULLETIN, HON-ORED 4,028 WARRANTY CLAIMS, SOLD 2,700 SEATS, AND 2,491 ADJUSTMENT REIN-FORCEMENTS. THE SUBJECT DEFECT APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE GM J-BODY RE-CALL (87V-079) OF MAY 1987 IN WHICH 1,136,407 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED. INTHAT RECALL THERE WERE 159 COMPLAINTS, 17 ALLEGED ACCIDENTS, AND 26 RE-PORTED INJURIES FOR ABOUT SIX TIMES AS MANY CARS. CHRYSLER H…

NHTSA #PE87045 · Seats · opened Aug 1987 · closed Nov 1987

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 10

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect pa…

Bulletin 23027 · Electrical System · Aug 2016

Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stoc…

Bulletin 23137 · Equipment · Aug 2016

05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect par…

Bulletin 23104 · Equipment, Exterior Lighting · Aug 2016

CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order.…

Bulletin 20244 · Equipment · Aug 2016

Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations

Bulletin Volume 2, Issue · Equipment · Aug 2016

1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Repla…

Bulletin 22958 · Electrical System · Aug 2016

Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA. Replacement part…

Bulletin 22892 · Equipment · Aug 2016

Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. See attachments for iden…

Bulletin 22867 · Electrical System · Aug 2016

P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached. Replacement part can be obtained by or…

Bulletin 20616 · Electrical System · Aug 2016

Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations

Bulletin Volume 2, Issue · Equipment · Jun 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LASER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1986 Chrysler Laser. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

On certain vehicles with 2.2 Litre turbo-charged multi-port fuel injection engines, there is a possibility that fuel leakage may occur during low ambient temperature operation at the fuel hose used to interconnect the fuel pressure regulator and the injector rail. Fuel leakage would create the potential for an engine compartment fire. Correction: the pressure regulator will be…

Transport Canada #1988091 · Jul 1988

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. PLUGGED CHOKE VACUUM DELAY VALVE. NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2 LITRE CARBURETED ENGINES.

Transport Canada #1987001 · Jan 1987

Structure

THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE BATTERY. THE GAS VENTS ON THESE BATTERIES MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY PLASTIC FLASHING WHICH COULD CAUSE A BUILD UP OF INTERNAL GAS PRESSURE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN RUPTURE OF THE BATTERY CASE. THIS COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO PERSONS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE BATTERY OR UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE SERVICING. FOUR DOOR A…

Transport Canada #1986040 · Apr 1986

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Chrysler Laser

The Dodge Daytona is an automobile which was produced by the Chrysler Corporation under their Dodge division from 1984 until 1993. It was a front-wheel drive hatchback based on the Chrysler G platform, which was derived from the Chrysler K platform. The Chrysler Laser was an upscale rebadged version of the Daytona. The Daytona was restyled for 1987, and again for 1992. It replaced the Mitsubishi Galant-based Challenger, and slotted between the Charger and the Conquest. The Daytona was replaced by the 1995 Dodge Avenger, which was built by Mitsubishi Motors. The Daytona derives its name mainly from the Dodge Charger Daytona, which itself was named after the Daytona 500 race in Daytona Beach,…

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Chrysler Laser vehicles on record

Other Chrysler Laser model years

1986 Chrysler Laser — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Chrysler Laser have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1986 Chrysler Laser. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Chrysler Laser?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seats, fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 1986 Chrysler Laser get?

The 1986 Chrysler Laser has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.