1982 Dodge Colt problems

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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.

1982 Dodge Colt

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Common 1982 Dodge Colt problems

The Dodge Colt 1982 was a car that was well-received by some owners, but it also had its share of problems. One of the most common issues was related to the wiring harness, as reported by a user who owned a 1983 Dodge Colt. In this particular case, honking the horn would cause the wipers to take a swipe, which was likely due to incorrect wiring during a repair job.

Another user mentioned that their 1986 Plymouth Colt had two major problems, although the specific details of these issues were not provided. The 1982 Colt was known for its liftgate outlets, which improved airflow, especially in the back. However, there were no specific complaints or problems mentioned regarding these features.

The Dodge Colt was manufactured by Mitsubishi and sold by Chrysler in hatchback form. The unique manual transmission, the Twin-Stick, operated like a 10-speed bicycle, with a low and high gear and a set of standard gears. While this transmission was praised for its performance, there were no specific issues or problems mentioned regarding it.

The Colt was available with two engines, both with Silent Shaft technology, which reduced vibration. The 2-liter engine was available on the Colt Wagon, Carousel, and GT. Transmissions included a four-speed manual on Mileage Maker, five-speed manual on other models, and a three-speed automatic. However, there were no specific complaints or problems mentioned regarding these engines or transmissions.

The Colt was known for its front-wheel-drive system, which provided good handling and a sporty image. The GTS Turbo was a high-performance version of the Colt, which was praised for its stunning acceleration and good handling. However, there were no specific complaints or problems mentioned regarding the GTS Turbo.

In summary, while the Dodge Colt 1982 had some issues related to the wiring harness and a few unspecified problems with some models, there were no major or recurring issues that were commonly reported by owners. The car was generally well-received, with praise for its handling, performance, and unique Twin-Stick transmission.

1982 Dodge Colt engine

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.

How much horsepower does a 1984 Dodge Colt have?

The 1984 Dodge Colt differed only in name from the Plymouth Colt. Engine options, all 4-cylinder, were either a 1.4-liter, a 1.6-liter, or a 2.0-liter, 88-hp .

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.

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.

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.

How much horsepower does a 1984 Dodge Colt have?

The 1984 Dodge Colt differed only in name from the Plymouth Colt. Engine options, all 4-cylinder, were either a 1.4-liter, a 1.6-liter, or a 2.0-liter, 88-hp .

1982 Dodge Colt car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Dodge Colt complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Dodge Colt.

1998-10-20

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1987-07-23
  • VIN: JB3BE483364
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND CONTINUES TO FAIL.
1998-10-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-11-23
  • VIN: JB3BE483364
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.

1982 Dodge Colt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1982 Dodge Colt.

2007-08-27
  • Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
  • Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1982 Dodge Colt problems:

1G - 1989 Colt 4wd wagon - what am I getting myself into? | Page 2 ...
1G - 1989 Colt 4wd wagon - what am I getting myself into? | Page 2 ...
https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/1989-colt-4wd-wagon-what-am-i-getting-myself-into.482767/page-2

Jul 26, 2014 ... Had a 1982 Dodge Colt with the 4GG32B (1.6L) motor in it .. and belt was on the driver's side. Did the belt on that motor when it had over ...

MM Retro Write-Up: 1984 Dodge/Plymouth-Colt/Champ | Lexus ...
MM Retro Write-Up: 1984 Dodge/Plymouth-Colt/Champ | Lexus ...
https://lexusenthusiast.com/forums/threads/mm-retro-write-up-1984-dodge-plymouth-colt-champ.5934/

May 17, 2020 ... known as the Colt and Champ. Thought I'd do ... (Actually, my 1982 Plymouth ... problems of its own, particularly in the automatic transmission).

COAL: 1983 Plymouth Colt - Chapter 15, Keep It In The Family ...
COAL: 1983 Plymouth Colt - Chapter 15, Keep It In The Family ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/coal-1983-plymouth-colt-chapter-15-keep-it-in-the-family/

Oct 23, 2022 ... I figured (in those pre-internet days) that this must be a common problem as these cars aged, so back it went to the selling dealer for the ...

Are Mitsubishis Good Cars? [Here's What We Think!] | FINN
Are Mitsubishis Good Cars? [Here's What We Think!] | FINN
https://www.finn.com/en-US/blog/car-buying/mitsubishi-reliability

Jan 2, 2024 ... ... Dodge Colt. In 1982, the Tredia, Starion ... What are common Mitsubishi problems? ... Engine issues. Mitsubishi powertrains had a few different ...

CC Outtake: 1987(ish) Dodge Colt - Last One On the Streets Here ...
CC Outtake: 1987(ish) Dodge Colt - Last One On the Streets Here ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake/cc-outtake-1985-dodge-colt-last-one-on-the-streets-here/

Nov 24, 2018 ... Sorry to hear that the Sigma was a problem. To me, the '78-'81 Sigma-version of the Colt wagon was among the best looking of any Mitsu-Dodge. I ...

Other years of Dodge Colt

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Colt 1984
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Colt 1985
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Colt 1986
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Colt 1987
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Colt 1988
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Colt 1989
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1982 Dodge Colt photo