1984 Dodge Colt problems

General information about Dodge-Colt
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1984 Dodge Colt problems

Common Problems with the Dodge Colt 1984

The Dodge Colt 1984 is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and brake issues.

Engine-Related Issues

The Dodge Colt 1984 has been reported to have several engine-related issues, including oil consumption problems, power loss and misfire issues, and engine overheating and cooling system problems. Oil consumption problems are often caused by worn-out piston rings, valve guides, or cylinder walls. Power loss and misfire issues can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributor caps. Engine overheating and cooling system problems can be caused by a faulty thermostat, radiator, or water pump.

Transmission and Clutch Problems

The Dodge Colt 1984 is also known for transmission and clutch problems, including transmission slipping and gear shifting problems, clutch failure and engagement issues, and differential and drivetrain problems. Transmission slipping and gear shifting problems can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or a faulty transmission solenoid. Clutch failure and engagement issues can be caused by a worn-out clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing. Differential and drivetrain problems can be caused by worn-out CV joints, axle shafts, or differential gears.

Electrical and Computer Issues

The Dodge Colt 1984 has been reported to have several electrical and computer issues, including battery and charging system problems, starter and alternator issues, and electronic control module (ECM) and sensor failures. Battery and charging system problems can be caused by a faulty battery, alternator, or voltage regulator. Starter and alternator issues can be caused by worn-out brushes, commutators, or armatures. ECM and sensor failures can be caused by faulty sensors, wiring, or connectors.

Suspension and Steering Issues

The Dodge Colt 1984 is also known for suspension and steering issues, including alignment and tire wear problems, shock absorber and strut failures, and steering and handling problems. Alignment and tire wear problems can be caused by worn-out tie rods, ball joints, or suspension bushings. Shock absorber and strut failures can be caused by worn-out shock absorbers, struts, or springs. Steering and handling problems can be caused by a faulty power steering pump, rack and pinion, or steering gearbox.

Braking and Safety Issues

The Dodge Colt 1984 has been reported to have several braking and safety issues, including brake pad and rotor wear issues, brake fluid leaks and master cylinder failures, and safety concerns with airbags and seatbelts. Brake pad and rotor wear issues can be caused by worn-out brake pads, rotors, or calipers. Brake fluid leaks and master cylinder failures can be caused by a faulty brake master cylinder, brake lines, or brake hoses. Safety concerns with airbags and seatbelts can be caused by faulty airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, or sensors.

In conclusion, the Dodge Colt 1984 has several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and brake issues. Regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep these vehicles running smoothly, and owners who stay on top of these issues can enjoy reliable and safe driving for years to come.

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 .

Are Mitsubishi Colts reliable?

It's super reliable, cheap to run, and it very nippy around town! The engine runs smoothly, and if you get the cz2 model you even get cruise control and reversing sensors. Engine doesn't have a timing belt so you don't have to worry about a £500 bill every 50k miles!

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.

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.

Are Mitsubishi Colts reliable?

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 .

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 long do Mitsubishi engines last?

On average, a well-maintained Mitsubishi can last you a good 200,000 miles or more, which is pretty standard for modern vehicles.

1984 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:

Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Dodge Colt complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Dodge Colt.

1997-08-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-08-08
VIN: JP3BA36K5GU
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT PULL OUT; AND IF THEY DO, NOT FAR ENOUGH TO BE USED BY A NORMAL SIZED PERSON. *AK *SLC

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1984 Dodge Colt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1984 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1984 Dodge Colt problems:

Dodge Colt Vista Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/dodge/colt_vista/

Apr 8, 2011 ... Read Dodge Colt Vista reviews from real owners ... frequent maintenance problems. I am ... My family owned a baby blue 1985 from the fall of 1984 ...

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 ... MM Retro Write-Up: 1984 Dodge/Plymouth-Colt ... known as the Colt and Champ. Thought I'd do ... problems of its own, particularly in the automatic ...

Dodge Colt Inspired? : r/Rivian

https://www.reddit.com/r/Rivian/comments/1bbf7gv/dodge_colt_inspired/

Mar 10, 2024 ... Am I the only one that sees a 1984 Dodge Colt in the Rivian RX3? ... Known Issues Megathread · AMA with Rivian's VP ... r/Rivian - Less than 500 ...

Junkyard Find: 1988 Dodge Conquest TSi | The Truth About Cars

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/05/junkyard-find-1988-dodge-conquest-tsi/

May 24, 2012 ... Only problem was, the Starion/Conquest was a finicky, fragile machine, best known for maddeningly undiagnosable fuel-system problems, weird ...