Dodge Colt vista problems
The Dodge Colt is a subcompact car that was manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and marketed by Dodge for model years 1971 to 1994 as captive imports. Rebadged variants include the Plymouth Champ and Plymouth Colt, both were marketed by Plymouth.
The Colt was initially a rebadged variant of the rear-wheel drive Galant and Lancer families before shifting to the smaller front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage subcompacts in 1979.
First generation (1971–1973)
Introduced in 1970 as a 1971 model, the first generation Dodge Colt was a federalized first-generation Mitsubishi Colt Galant. Available as a 2-door pillared coupe, 2-door hardtop coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door wagon, the Colt had a 1,597 cc (97.5 cu in) 4-cylinder engine. The unibody layout was traditional, front engine and rear-wheel drive with MacPherson struts in front and a live rear axle. Standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, with a 3-speed automatic being an option. The engine was initially rated for 100 hp (75 kW), but dropped to 83 hp (62 kW) in 1972 when manufacturers revised the method of measuring horsepower from gross to SAE net. For 1973, a GT hardtop coupe model was added featuring rally stripes, sport wheels, and a center console amongst other features. The Dodge Colt was Chrysler's response to the AMC Gremlin, Ford Pinto, and Chevrolet Vega. As a captive import from Mitsubishi, the Colt also competed directly with other Japanese imports, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Datsun 1200.
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Dodge Colt vista model years
Common Dodge Colt vista problems
The Dodge Colt Vista, also known as the Mitsubishi Chariot, is a compact crossover/MPV produced in the 1980s and 1990s. While it was praised for its spacious interior and Japanese reliability, it also had some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues with the Dodge Colt Vista is related to the transmission, specifically the rear counter shaft bearing. This failure is particularly common in 4WD Vista models. The transmission may bind up and become unable to shift. In some cases, the oil slinger in front of this bearing may keep oil away instead of slinging it at the bearing, leading to premature failure. Replacing the bearing and cleaning up the transmission can resolve this issue, but it may require several hours of labor.
Another problem reported by owners is related to the catalytic converter. A plugged catalytic converter can cause the engine to start but have very little power. Replacing the converter and doing a tune-up can solve this problem, resulting in improved engine performance.
The Dodge Colt Vista's vacuum-shifted transmission and computer-operated Hitaachi carburetor were also known to have problems, as were the "jet-valves" in the head for emissions. These issues can lead to poor performance and reliability, but they can be addressed with maintenance and repairs.
In some cases, owners have reported issues with the electrical system, such as problems with the alternator and headlights. For example, one owner reported that their alternator was producing 17-18v, causing their halogen headlights to burn out. Replacing the alternator and headlights resolved the issue, but the owner was unable to find information on the location of the headlight fuses in their glove box manual.
Overall, while the Dodge Colt Vista has some common problems, many of these issues can be addressed with maintenance and repairs. The car's spacious interior and Japanese reliability continue to make it a popular choice for those in need of a compact crossover or MPV.
What happened to the Dodge Colt?
The Colt sedan was not sold in the United States for the sixth generation (though it was sold in Canada), as it would be replaced by the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance liftbacks in the Dodge/Plymouth lineup for 1989. The sedan bodywork, however, was available to American consumers as an Eagle Summit.
Who made the Colt Vista?
Built by Mitsubishi, available with Dodge or Plymouth badges. Chrysler Corp. began selling rebadged Mitsubishi Colt Galants with Dodge Colt badging in North America as 1971 models, eventually adding an identically priced Plymouth version.
How much horsepower does a 1984 Dodge Colt have?
102 horsepower
1.4 liters, 64 horsepower. These cars weren't quick, even by the forgiving standards of the early 1980s, but they were cheap, reasonably reliable, and got good fuel economy. A turbocharged version of the '84 Colt could be had, though; it made 102 horsepower and could be equipped with a Twin-Stick.
What was the first year for the Dodge Colt?
The 5th generation Dodge Colt arrived in 1984 with various engine options including a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine a three box sedan body became available but was discontinued after 1986.. The Colt
Percentage distribution of complaints by Dodge Colt vista years
We have researched Dodge problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Dodge Colt vista cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Dodge Colt vista model years:
- Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Dodge Colt vista 1986
- Dodge Colt vista 1985
- Dodge Colt vista 1987
- Dodge Colt vista 1994
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Dodge Colt vista model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Dodge Colt vista years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Dodge Colt vista car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Dodge Colt vista , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Dodge Colt vista vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Dodge Colt vista . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Dodge Colt vista vehicles.
List of Dodge Colt vista complaints
Dodge Colt vista 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-11
- VIN: 3B7KF26611M
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD.*JB
Dodge Colt vista 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-30
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-24
- VIN: JB3BG49DOGZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH, CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED. OIL/WATER/ ANTI-FREEZE WAS ALL OVER THE STREET, AND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED, AND STILL SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE ENGINE. *AK
Dodge Colt vista 1998
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-04
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-15
- VIN: JP3CB20C1WZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AS DOOR WAS BEING SHUT, THE CABLE POPPED OUT OF MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT TRACKING DEVICE.
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-10
- VIN: JP3CW50WXNZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING ON ANY TYPE OF PAVEMENT UPON DEPRESSNG THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP FORWARD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- VIN: JP3CW50W6NZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS RESURFACED.
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- VIN: JP3CW50W6NZ
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE MISALIGNED.
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- VIN: JP3CW50W6NZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES CRACKED.
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- VIN: JP3CW50W6NZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS CRACKED/DAMAGED.
Dodge Colt vista 1994
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-05-23
- VIN: JP4FH31Z5MZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES, BEARINGS LEAK AND DRY UP, AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE REPLACED EVERY 6 MONTHS. *AK
Dodge Colt vista 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-02-14
- VIN: JB4FH41D7GZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUST HAS WEAKENED UNDER CARRIAGE WHICH SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE IS ATTTACHED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1995-12-15
- VIN: JP3CV50D0NZ
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: PURCHASE CAR USED CAR HAS 24,000 MILES THE SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILED. TT
Dodge Colt vista 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1995-12-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASE CAR USED WAS DRIVING THE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON . TT
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Date Complaint: 1995-07-27
- VIN: JP3CW50W2NZ
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANK HARD TO FILL, SHUTS OFF AFTER .3/.4 GALS. OFTEN OVERFLOWS.
Dodge Colt vista 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Date Complaint: 1995-07-27
- VIN: JP3CW50W2NZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORBELT REEL STICKS SOMETIMES, MAKING IT HARD TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. *DSH
Dodge Colt vista 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-15
- Date Complaint: 1995-05-15
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL VEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL 35 MPH. TT