1986 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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Common 1986 Dodge Colt vista problems
The Dodge Colt Vista, introduced in 1986, was a compact wagon that was closely related to the Colt. It was taller than a standard Colt or wagon and had optional all-wheel drive. While there are no specific complaints about the 1986 Dodge Colt Vista, there are some common problems reported by owners of similar models from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
One common issue is related to the vacuum-shifted transmission, which had many problems. The computer-operated Hitaachi carburetor and attendant emissions devices, as well as the "jet-valves" in the head for emissions, were also known to cause issues.
The 1986 Colt Vista was equipped with a 2-liter engine with a two-barrel carburetor, driven by a five-speed stick-shift. While this engine provided decent power, it was not without its problems. The engine was prone to overheating, especially in hot weather or during long periods of idling. This was due to a small radiator and an inefficient cooling system.
The Colt Vista's suspension was another area where problems were reported. The MacPherson-type strut front suspension and lower control arm rear bushings were known to wear out quickly, leading to a rough ride and poor handling. The rear suspension, in particular, was prone to failure, with the trailing arms and struts wearing out quickly. This resulted in a bumpy ride and poor handling, especially when carrying a heavy load or driving at high speeds.
The interior of the Colt Vista was also known to have issues. The dashboard was prone to cracking and fading, and the seats were known to wear out quickly. The seat belts were also known to fail, especially in the event of a crash. This was due to a design flaw that caused the belts to become unlatched during a collision.
The electrical system of the Colt Vista was another area where problems were reported. The wiring was known to corrode quickly, leading to intermittent electrical issues. The alternator was also prone to failure, especially in older models. This resulted in the battery not charging properly, leading to a dead battery and a car that would not start.
In summary, while the Dodge Colt Vista was a popular compact wagon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was not without its problems. Common issues included vacuum-shifted transmission problems, overheating, suspension failures, interior wear, and electrical issues. These problems were often expensive to repair and could lead to a significant decrease in the car's value. However, with proper maintenance and care, many Colt Vista owners were able to keep their cars on the road for many years.
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.
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.
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.
What is the sister car of the Dodge Colt?
The Dodge Colt had a twin sister in the Plymouth Colt and siblings in the Mitsubishi Mirage and Eagle Summit.
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.
Who makes the Colt car?
Mitsubishi Motors
The Mitsubishi Colt is a nameplate from Mitsubishi Motors that has been applied to a number of automobiles since 1962.
1986 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:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Dodge Colt vista vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Dodge Colt vista complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Dodge Colt vista.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-30
- 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JB4FH41D7GZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUST HAS WEAKENED UNDER CARRIAGE WHICH SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE IS ATTTACHED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS A WATER LEAK IN IT AND GETS ON TO THE SEAT BELTS WHICH MAKES THEM NOT WORK. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR WHEEL WELL HAS A WATER LEAK IN IT AND GETS ON TO THE SEAT BELTS WHICH MAKES THEM NOT WORK. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-09-23
- VIN: JB4FH31D8GZ
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MFR RECALL NO 324T. REPLACEMENT OF SOLENOID IN TOP PART OF CARBURETOR, LEFT A PART OF FUEL NOZZLE IN CARBURETOR. OWNER HAS DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS. TT
Additional sources
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