1990 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 1990 Dodge Colt problems
The 1990 Dodge Colt is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues range from electrical problems to engine and fuel system issues.
One of the most common problems reported with the 1990 Dodge Colt is electrical issues. These issues include problems with the car's rebuilt ECU and re-engineered distributor, which are known to be common problems with these cars. The electrical issues can cause intermittent sparking, which can lead to the car having a hard time starting or not starting at all.
Another common problem reported with the 1990 Dodge Colt is issues with the fuel system. One owner reported that the car had a short in it, which was replaced, but the car still had intermittent sparking issues. These fuel system issues can lead to a variety of problems, including the car not starting or running poorly.
The 1990 Dodge Colt is also known to have issues with its power steering pump. The average cost for a Dodge Colt Power Steering Pump Replacement is between $442 and $866, with labor costs estimated between $70 and $89 and parts priced between $372 and $778. The power steering pump is responsible for pressurizing and circulating power steering fluid through the power steering hydraulic system, allowing the steering wheel to turn with greater ease. When the power steering pump fails, it can make it difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
In addition to these specific problems, the 1990 Dodge Colt has a reputation for being unreliable. According to carcomplaints.com, this vehicle had an immense number of issues with its engine and fuel system, making it one of the least reliable car releases of that entire year.
In conclusion, the 1990 Dodge Colt is known for several common problems, including electrical issues, fuel system problems, and issues with the power steering pump. These problems can lead to a variety of issues, including the car not starting, running poorly, or being difficult to steer. Additionally, the 1990 Dodge Colt has a reputation for being unreliable, with an abundance of issues with its engine and fuel system.
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.
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 Colt cars?
For the first decade of its existence, British market Mitsubishis were sold under the "Colt" marque until the rebranding to Mitsubishi, which then brought the marque in line with the rest of the world.
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.
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.
What happened to Colt cars?
For the first decade of its existence, British market Mitsubishis were sold under the "Colt" marque until the rebranding to Mitsubishi, which then brought the marque in line with the rest of the world.
1990 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
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Dodge Colt complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Dodge Colt.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-03
- VIN: 2B6HB21Y6LK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRUM, TIRE AND ALL OFF AXLE, WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED, ALMOST LOST FAMILY, DEALER NEGLECT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-09-30
- VIN: JB3CU14X4LU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IDLING HIGH THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CROSS THE ROAD, FLY INTO THE AIR AND FLIP 2 1/2 TIMES LANDING ON THE HOOD. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LOOKED OUTSIDE AND THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED UP. OWNER THINKS THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. ALSO OWNER STATES THAT WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT OPENS AND CLOSES WHICH CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BE INSECURE IN THE SEAT.CAN CAUSE A SAFETY CONCERN. UNDER RECAL 95V102003. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JP3CU24X9KU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S BROTHER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, AND HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT TIME OF CRASH DRIVER WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELTS, THE SHOULDER BELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF OF OCCUPANT, AND THE LAP BELT DETACHED ITSELF DURING IMPACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-15
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT TO ITS STARTING POSITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OFF.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-15
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INTERMITTENT SHOULDER BELT FAILURE; PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT CLOSE/LOCK UP AS DESIGNED, PASSENGER NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
- VIN: JB3CU14X9LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORBELT FAILED. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JB4EV31XTLU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-24
- VIN: JB3CU24X7LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS FAILED. IT WILL ONLY RETRACT HALF WAY OR IT WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-24
- VIN: JB3CU24X7LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAS FAILED. IT WILL ONLY RETRACT HALF WAY OR IT WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- VIN: JB3CU14X7LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILS TO LATCH. *SKD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-05
- VIN: JB3CV14X9LV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLES DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAS BROKEN WELDS ON BEAM AREA. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JB3CU24XXLU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT SNAPPED BACK TIGHTLY, PINNING DRIVER TO SEAT/OTHER TIMES MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT TIGHTEN AT ALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
- VIN: JB3CU24X6LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT WORK. TT
1990 Dodge Colt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Dodge Colt.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Positive 1990 Dodge Colt car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Dodge Colt problems:
Dodge Colt Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get Dodge Colt repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Dodge mechanics near you.
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1991 dodge colt no power at fuel pump - 4g61t.org
Besides the intermittent running problem the car ran fine. We had to quit driving the car because the problem become more and more frequent.
Other years of Dodge Colt
Are you having problems with your 1990 Dodge Colt?
Jaiden Baumbach 2024-01-27
Congratulations on your first new car purchase! It sounds like you made a great choice with the Mitsubishi. The car has impressive mileage and dependability, which is always a plus. I'm glad to hear that the headlights are amazing and have been helpful in the deer country where you live. It's great to have a car that you can rely on and feel safe in. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the Mitsubishi Mirage and Eagle Summit!