Selling an old or non-running Chrysler Laser
Of the eight Chrysler Laser complaints in NHTSA's file, four report a fire. Fuel-system trouble leads the list, and two of its five recalls dealt with leaking fuel.
- Model years (EPA)
- 1984-1987
- Complaints to NHTSA
- 8
- Complaints reporting a fire
- 4
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Engine (Wikipedia)
- 2.2-liter K four, plain or turbo
- Layout
- Front-wheel drive, G-body platform
If your Laser hasn't run in years, or smells of gas when it does, you don't have to sort it out first. We buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.
What the Laser was
The EPA lists the Laser as a subcompact for the 1984 to 1987 model years, with some years entered as "Laser/Daytona." Wikipedia covers it on the same page as the Dodge Daytona. It describes a front-wheel-drive G-body car designed by Bob Ackerman, with the 2.2-liter K four-cylinder in plain and turbocharged forms and a 5-speed manual.
The Laser was replaced by the Mitsubishi-built Chrysler Conquest, according to Wikipedia: a rear-wheel-drive car aimed at the Toyota Celica Supra.
Known problems, 1984-1987
With a single generation, the useful split is by year: two busy ones and two quiet ones.
1985-1986: fuel leaks and fires
All eight complaints are on these two years. The 1985 has six, three of them reporting a fire. Three name the gasoline fuel system, one the tires and one the power train. The 1986 has two, one reporting a fire; one names the fuel system and one the seats.
The recalls point the same way:
- 85V010 (1985): a clamp on the engine-bay fuel hose to the pressure regulator, possibly left loose. The hose could leak and start an engine compartment fire. The campaign lists 53,000 vehicles.
- 88V105 (1985-1986): fuel leaks in cold weather where the supply hose meets the pressure regulator and the fuel rail. The fix moved the regulator and changed the hose. The 580,000 total spans the entire campaign and may take in other models besides the Laser.
- 86V053 (1986): battery cap vents that could be blocked by plastic flashing. Gas pressure could build up and crack the case, especially after charging.
- 89V011 (1985): fatigue in the driver's seat frame at its front outboard mount, one of four. The remedy was a stronger frame.
1984 and 1987: almost nothing on file
No complaints are on file for either year. The 1984 has one recall, 84V008, for hood latches that may have been fixed wrong at the factory or held with the wrong fasteners.
Complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints tallied on October 10, 2026. Recall 88V105 spans both 1985 and 1986, so it appears twice.
| Model year | Complaints | Reporting a fire | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| 1986 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 1987 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
These are complaints owners chose to file, not a count of cars that broke. Anyone can look up a model year at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Fix it or sell it?
On a Laser, a fuel smell under the hood points straight at the parts these recalls were about. Don't keep cranking a car that smells of gas. If it already burned, our fire damage guide covers what's left to sell.
If it's a turbo car that's been a project for years, old project car helps you decide between finishing it and letting it go.
Selling your Laser whole
- Find the VIN and the title. If the title is gone, start with selling with no title.
- Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
- Describe the spot it sits in. Flat tires or a car that won't roll are fine; just say so up front. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
- Keep the engine, turbo and wheels in place. If something's gone already, mention it.
See the Conquest that replaced it, or every Chrysler we cover.
Questions people ask
- How often have Laser owners complained to NHTSA?
- Eight times, by the October 10, 2026 count. Six are on the 1985 and two on the 1986. Four of the eight report a fire, and fuel system, gasoline, appears in four of them, more than any other component.
- Was the Laser recalled for fuel leaks?
- Yes, twice. Campaign 85V010 was for a fuel hose clamp near the pressure regulator that might not be tight enough, which could leak and cause an engine compartment fire. Campaign 88V105, for 1985-1986 cars, was for fuel leaks in cold weather at the pressure regulator and fuel rail. The 580,000 figure is campaign-wide and may take in other Chrysler models.
- What replaced the Chrysler Laser?
- Wikipedia says the Laser was replaced by the Mitsubishi-built Chrysler Conquest, a rear-wheel-drive car.
- Will you buy a Laser that has sat for years?
- Yes. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US. Mention flat tires or seized brakes when you ask.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from one of these. Checked October 11, 2026.
- NHTSA complaints flat file (FLAT_CMPL.zip), downloaded October 10, 2026 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA: Check for recalls nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 84V008: hood latch, 1984 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 85V010: fuel hose clamp, 1985 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 86V053: battery cap vents, 1986 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 88V105: cold-weather fuel leaks, 1985-1986 nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA recall 89V011: driver's seat frame, 1985 nhtsa.gov
- EPA fuel economy data (model years, class, name variants) fueleconomy.gov
- Wikipedia: Chrysler Laser (platform, engines, successor) en.wikipedia.org