1985 Dodge Colt vista problems

Common 1985 Dodge Colt vista problems

The Dodge Colt Vista, introduced in 1985, was a rebranded LHD export-spec Mitsubishi Chariot, which sold well when new but became increasingly rare on the streets by the turn of the millennium. While the car was known for its reliability, there were some common problems that owners reported.

• Corrosion: The Dodge Colt Vista was prone to corrosion, particularly in areas that experienced harsh winters and road salt. This was a common issue with many cars of the era, and the Colt Vista was no exception. The electrical system was particularly vulnerable to corrosion, with wiring harnesses often failing after about 10 years of use.

• Engine Failure: Some owners reported engine failure, particularly in the Vista and Sigma models. This was often due to rare and expensive parts that were difficult to source, leading to costly repairs.

• Transmission Issues: Transmission problems were common in the Dodge Colt Vista, with fluid-related issues being particularly prevalent. These could be caused by a broken seal, loose filler tube, defective pan gasket, or poor installation, and often resulted in fluid leakage. Transmission slipping was also a common problem, often caused by irregular increases in engine RPM, abrupt down-shifting, or delayed acceleration. Overheating was another issue, often caused by frequent "stop and go" traffic or carrying heavy loads, which could bend the metal elements and harden the rubber seals of the transmission system.

• Electrical System Failures: The Dodge Colt Vista's electrical system was prone to failure, particularly in areas with harsh winters and road salt. The wiring harness was a common point of failure, often falling apart after about 10 years of use. This could lead to intermittent spark issues, where the plug only fires once, indicating a short in the system.

In summary, while the Dodge Colt Vista was known for its reliability, it was not immune to common problems. Corrosion, engine failure, transmission issues, and electrical system failures were all reported by owners. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues could be minimized, and the car could provide reliable service for many years.

Is Dodge Colt same as Mitsubishi?

The Dodge Colt nameplate was applied to several Mitsubishi models. In Japan, they were known as Galants, Mirages, and Lancers. In fact, the car for sale on eBay would have been sold as a Lancer in Japan and has the same lineage as the turbo Lancer Evolutions that arrived in the US in the 2000s.

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.

How much horsepower does a 1987 Dodge Colt have?

68-hp

1987 Dodge Colt Reviews, Pricing & Specs

A GTS hatchback and sedan were other options for those craving a little more kick to their commute. Base engine was a 1.5-liter, 68-hp I4, while the wagon featured a 2.0-liter, 88-hp I4.

Is a Mitsubishi Colt reliable?

Reliable workhorse

Over the 6 + years I have used it I have had no major problems just the usual wear and tear items, brake pads, exhaust. The only issue I have had was with the gear stick becoming very stiff to move - solved by greasing the linkage.

1985 Dodge Colt vista car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Colt vista problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Colt vista vehicle components and the number of complaints received.