1985 Dodge Colt 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 1985 Dodge Colt problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Dodge Colt GTS Turbo:
- Transmission Faults: Some owners reported a mechanical fault related to a retainer clip in the transmission that could wear thin and break. This issue could result in a disconnection of the transmission internals, leading to a loss of power to the wheels.
- Electrical Glitches: There were instances where owners experienced electrical issues, such as a wiring harness glitch that caused the wipers to activate when the horn was honked. This kind of electrical problem could be traced back to incorrect wiring during repairs or maintenance work.
- Mechanical Modifications: Some owners attempted modifications to enhance performance, like adapting an intercooler from a Fuego and increasing fuel flow. While these modifications could improve speed and power, they also introduced the risk of potential mechanical issues or complications.
- Limited Availability of Parts: Due to the age of the vehicle and its limited production numbers, finding specific parts for repairs or maintenance could be challenging. This scarcity of parts could lead to delays in fixing issues or higher costs for sourcing rare components.
These reported problems highlight some of the challenges faced by owners of the 1985 Dodge Colt GTS Turbo, ranging from common rust issues to more specific mechanical and electrical concerns. Addressing these issues required a combination of regular maintenance, careful repairs, and sometimes creative solutions due to the unique characteristics of this particular vehicle model.
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 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.
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 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.
Why did Shelby go to Dodge?
After his move to Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca wanted to establish the Dodge Division as the company's performance division. To accomplish his objective he enlisted Carroll Shelby to make it happen.
1985 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Dodge Colt complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Dodge Colt.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND DAMAGED ENGINE BLOCK/SHORT BLOCK REPLACED TWICE, ALSO ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Dodge Colt problems:
Surprisingly Clean Old Wagons: 1985 Dodge Colt Vista vs 1986 VW ...
Jul 5, 2023 ... It's still a German car, and sustained high-speed highway driving is kind of what they're known for. The seller says this one runs like a top, ...
1987 Dodge Colt Vista : r/regularcarreviews
Jan 13, 2021 ... 380 votes, 42 comments. 88K subscribers in the regularcarreviews community. This is a subreddit for fans of Regular Car Reviews on Youtube.
Dodge Colt Vista Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 8, 2011 ... Read Dodge Colt Vista reviews from real owners. Find out ... frequent maintenance problems. I am ... My family owned a baby blue 1985 from the ...
Q&A: 1990 Dodge Colt Vista Car Short - Replaced? | JustAnswer
May 26, 2008 ... Meaning the plug only fires once when key is released from starting. Think it might be a computer problem or coil?
1987 DODGE RAIDER ..what are all the major issues? : r/4x4
Jan 9, 2024 ... ... Chrysler models. The Colt, The 2nd gen Challenger was a Galant, The Arrow, Dodge D50, Later the Stealth was a 3000GT, plus all the DSM cars.
Other years of Dodge Colt
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