1991 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.

1991 Dodge Colt

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Common 1991 Dodge Colt problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the Dodge Colt 1991:

  • Transmission Fluid Leak:
    • Transmission fluid leaks can occur due to various reasons like a broken seal, loosening of the filler tube, defective pan gasket, or poor installation. These leaks can impact the efficiency of the transmission system and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
  • Transmission Slipping:
    • Transmission slipping is a common issue where the transmission fails to engage properly, leading to irregular engine RPM, abrupt down-shifting, and delayed acceleration. Routine checks of transmission fluid levels and maintenance of vacuum lines are essential to address this problem.
  • Overheating:
    • Overheating of the transmission system can occur due to heavy traffic conditions, carrying heavy loads, or blockages in fluid cooler lines. This can lead to bending of metal elements and hardening of rubber seals, causing fluid leaks and potential damage to the transmission system.

These common problems with the Dodge Colt 1991 can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the vehicle. Regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and attention to these issues can help owners address these problems effectively and ensure the longevity of their Dodge Colt.

1991 Dodge Colt engine

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 Colt a reliable car?

Although the Colt has become a whole lot more interesting, the reliability factor remains, making the Mitsubishi one of the best used supermini choices around.

Is Colt a good car?

Reliability and Safety

As with many Japanese manufacturers, Mitsubishi sells on the reliability of its cars, and the Colt upholds this reputation – it has been recalled only once in all its years on sale, over a potential fuel leak, and has been rated highly in this category in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys.

What was unusual about the Colt?

With Colt's revolver, one could for the first time shoot multiple bullets from a gun without reloading — a revolutionary mechanism that would help spark the American Industrial Revolution and speed the settlement of the West.

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.

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.

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 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.

1991 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
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Dodge Colt complaints

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Dodge Colt.

2003-09-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-11
  • VIN: JB4FH41V1MZ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I HAVE A 1992 DODGE COLT VISTA THAT WHILE DRIVING WILL SHUTDOWN. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A COUPLE MINUTES AND YOU CAN RESTART THE CAR, OTHER TIMES IT TAKES A DAY. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY DAY, SOMETIMES YOU CAN DRIVE FOR A MONTH WITH OUT IT HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. IT LEAVES NO ERROR CODES IN THE CARS COMPUTER. *PH
2003-01-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
  • VIN: JB3ZU2483MU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TS SCC
2000-04-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESSES FAIL TO MOVE WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. NLM
2000-03-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-03-05
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JB3CU24A2MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WIRING HARNESS FROM THE BATTERY TO THE FIREWALL SHORT CIRCUITED, CAUSING AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. *AK
1999-11-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: SLIDING BACK DOOR DID NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY. DEALER HAD TO TIGHTEN DOOR. CURRENTLY, THE CHILDREN CAN NOT CLOSE DOOR. ALSO, THE CHILDREN GET HEADACHES WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT AND WINDOWS ARE UP DUE TO FUMES GETTING IN THE VEHICLE. *AK
1999-07-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-02
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ECU MODULE COMPUTER MODULE FAILED CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. MJS
1997-07-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-21
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: RECALL REPAIR NOT PERFORMED ON SEAT BELT BUCKLES DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS.
1997-06-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JB3CU24A7MU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SHOULDER STRAP TIGHTENS AROUND THE NECK AND SHOULDERS.
1997-06-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
  • VIN: PLEASE FILL
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE FUEL INJECTOR IN THE FUEL PUMP AREA JUST DOWN AND ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN IN FULL OPERATION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
1997-01-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 95V103003 DEALER REPLACED ONLY THE BUCKLE/LATCH PLATE INSERTS BUT WON'T LOCK INTO BUCKLE, DEALER REFUSES TO FIX, AND INDICATES THAT THE RECALL DIDN'T REQUIRE FIXING LATCH PLATE. *AK
1996-10-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-19
  • VIN: JP3CG39V5MZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER RESTRAINTS ARE POSITIONED IN AN IMPROPER LOCATION/ PULLS UP AGAINST NECK AND FACE OF FRONT OCCUPANTS.
1996-10-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: JB3CU24A8MU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS A HOLE IN IT, CAUSING FUMES TO LEAK INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
1996-08-29

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: #EA9604, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES CLUTCHES INTERMITTENTLY.*AK
1996-07-02

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • VIN: JB3CU14A0MU
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: RIGHT SEAT WELD BROKE, CAUSING INSTABILITY OF SEAT.*DH
1996-05-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
  • VIN: JB3CU24A9MU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS, LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL OVERTIGHTEN AND CANNOT GET OF SEAT, OPENS THE DOOR TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELTS. *AK
1996-05-10

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONING OF AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS WHEN STOPPED MIDWAY ALONG TRACK OR WON'T GO TOWARDS DRIVER/PASS. AT ALL. *AK
1995-10-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JA3CG39V1MZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CONSUMER WIFE WAS DRIVING WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKE THERE WAS NO BRAKE IT WAS THE MASTER CYLINDER IS NEEDED TO BE REPLACE . TT
1995-07-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-03
  • VIN: JB3CU24A5MV
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SOMETIMES SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. *AK
1995-03-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-05-01
  • VIN: 1MECM584XMG
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ROTORS OVERHEATED, CAUSING ROTORS TO WARP/BRAKE FAILURE. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479612, 479613) *AW
1995-03-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-13
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEATBELT FEMALE PORTION CRACKED AND PIECES FELL IN MAKING SEATBELT UNUSABLE. TT
1995-01-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 5 SP-TRANSMISSION; INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL LOSE TRACTION/POWER AND MAY RETURN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1994-10-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-12
  • VIN: JB3CU14A2MU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL, ALSO SEAT BELTS FIT POORLY, APPLYING EXTREME PRESSURE TO PASSENGER'S. *AW

1991 Dodge Colt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Dodge Colt.

1995-05-24
  • 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.

Negative 1991 Dodge Colt car reviews

  1. Zachariah Lockman 2024-11-04

    "mitsubishi cars are never good"... i never listend to that.. soi bought a mitsubishi.. on 130 k the motor went out.. after that the computer went out for two times.. and it was quite expensive to fix. so i recommend before buying not just a colt, but also a mitsubishi.. think twice.. it may eventualy cost you for a BMW in just couple of years

Positive 1991 Dodge Colt car reviews

  1. Clement Nienow 2024-09-14

    Your '91 Colt sounds like a fantastic car! I can imagine how tough it must be to deal with negative 7 degree weather in Utah, but it's great to hear that your car starts up every morning without any issues. It's also impressive that it runs well, is fuel efficient, and handles deep snow with ease. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with your car!

  2. Noah Steuber 2024-07-02

    Great car all around!

  3. Allen Wisoky 2024-06-05

    Wow, it's amazing to hear that you've had this car for 6 years and it's still going strong! It's great to know that you've only had to do regular maintenance and haven't had to spend any extra money on it. Laughing as you pass the gas pumps must be a great feeling! It's impressive that it gets between 40-45 mpg on long highway trips and can handle going over the Rockies. Even though the ride is 'no-frills', it sounds like the car has so many other great qualities that make up for it. With 210,000 miles and no signs of dying, it's clear that this car is a keeper! Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us.

  4. Reinhold Ritchie 2024-01-09

    I have owned my little colt for over three years and have yet to experience any major problems. When I purchased the car, it had 40k miles. It now has 103k and still purrs like a kitten. Although it may not be the most comfortable or stylish car on the road, it is very reliable and great on gas. I have only had to replace the oxygen sensor, brakes, and tires, and that's it. Overall, it's a great little car!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Dodge Colt problems:

Dodge Colt Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Dodge Colt Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/dodge/colt

Get Dodge Colt repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Dodge mechanics near you.

1991 dodge colt no power at fuel pump - 4g61t.org
1991 dodge colt no power at fuel pump - 4g61t.org
http://www.4g61t.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22931

Besides the intermittent running problem the car ran fine. We had to quit driving the car because the problem become more and more frequent.

What causes excessive amount of fuel in Plymouth colt?
What causes excessive amount of fuel in Plymouth colt?
https://www.justanswer.com/chrysler/3p2qi-right-guys-1991-plymouth-colt-1-5-4g-engine.html

Jul 2, 2010 ... This is probably the most common cause of gradual fuel economy loss because, unless the problem is severe, computer controls can usually ...

4g61t engine reliability - 4g61t.org
4g61t engine reliability - 4g61t.org
http://www.4g61t.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36039

- what is common problems in 4g61t? - I ... In Europe we've got Colt C50 with 4g61 N/A engine. ... 1991 Dodge Colt -4g15 12v 4spd. Have a: 1978 ...

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 ... Hey Thom, which way did the engine sit in the 91 engine bay. ... Whenever I run into a problem like this I just pull the engine and swap it to a ...

Other years of Dodge Colt

dodge colt 1992 photo
Colt 1992
Dodge

15

2

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge colt 1993 photo
Colt 1993
Dodge

120

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge colt 1994 photo
Colt 1994
Dodge

18

0

2

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge colt 1996 photo
Colt 1996
Dodge

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge colt 1982 photo
Colt 1982
Dodge

2

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
dodge colt 1984 photo
Colt 1984
Dodge

1

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1991 Dodge Colt photo