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Dodge Colt Problems

The Dodge Colt was a captive import manufactured by Mitsubishi and sold through Dodge dealers from 1971-1994, offering Japanese reliability under an American badge. With 656 complaints and 2 fatalities on record across its long production run, the Colt served as affordable basic transportation. Later versions share components with the Mitsubishi Mirage. These are now largely forgotten econoboxes with minimal collector interest.

656
Total Complaints
0
Total Recalls
13
Model Years
2
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1993
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1982 1984 1985

Common Problem Categories

Seat Belts 434
Engine And Engine Cooling 40
Power Train 32
Electrical System 20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 16

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
1996 4 0 0 0 Good
1994 46 0 6 0 Average
1993 242 0 6 0 Avoid
1992 28 0 0 0 Average
1991 34 0 2 2 Average
1990 28 0 2 6 Average
1989 74 0 4 0 Average
1988 56 0 4 2 Average
1987 88 0 4 0 Below Average
1986 48 0 0 2 Average
1985 2 0 0 0 Good
1984 2 0 0 0 Good
1982 4 0 0 0 Good

Dodge Colt Years to Avoid

The 1993 Colt generated the most complaints in its final production years, with automatic transmission issues, engine hesitation problems, and aging emissions controls causing drivability concerns. The 1991-1993 models share these concerns. Earlier Colts from the 1970s-1980s have age-related deterioration but fewer design flaws.

Best Dodge Colt Years

The 1985 Colt represents a clean design with proven Mitsubishi mechanicals and simpler systems than later models. The 1987-1989 models are also solid with refined first-generation styling. Earlier Colts with carbureted engines are simpler to maintain but less refined.

Frequently Asked Questions