1992 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 1992 Dodge Colt problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1992 Dodge Colt, several common problems have been reported:
- Fuel System Issues (1990-1991): Owners reported problems with clogged fuel injectors, fuel lines, and poor fuel economy during these model years.
- Rust and Corrosion (1992-1993): Common issues included rust and corrosion on body panels and wheel wells, along with braking system problems like worn brake pads and rotors.
- Head Gasket Failure (1994): A prevalent issue was related to the engine's head gasket. Failure to maintain it properly could result in significant engine damage.
- Electrical System Problems: Owners faced issues with the ignition system, alternator, battery, faulty wiring, and grounding problems across multiple model years.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: Complaints included worn shocks and struts, misaligned wheels, and steering component failures.
- Cooling System Problems: Reported issues involved leaks and overheating in the cooling system.
- Transmission and Clutch Problems: Owners experienced transmission slipping, gear shifting issues, and clutch failures.
- Braking System Concerns: Common problems included brake pad and rotor wear, brake fluid leaks, and master cylinder failures.
- Interior and Exterior Issues: Complaints ranged from upholstery wear to window and door mechanism problems, as well as paint and body damage concerns.
These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the Dodge Colt runs smoothly and safely. Owners should address these problems promptly to avoid further damage and maintain the reliability of their vehicles.
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!
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.
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.
How reliable are Mitsubishi engines and transmissions?
Dependability
J.D. Power ranked Mitsubishi among the top 10 brands in its 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Indeed, Mitsubishi ranked a spot higher than Toyota in the study. However, no Mitsubishi vehicles outshone a Toyota equivalent in any segment.
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!
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.
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.
How reliable are Mitsubishi engines and transmissions?
Dependability
J.D. Power ranked Mitsubishi among the top 10 brands in its 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Indeed, Mitsubishi ranked a spot higher than Toyota in the study. However, no Mitsubishi vehicles outshone a Toyota equivalent in any segment.
1992 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
- Visibility problems
- Suspension problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Dodge Colt complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Dodge Colt.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT WORK. THE SEATBELT WILL NOT SLIDE BACK AND FORTH DUE TO CABLE POPPING OUT. PLEASE ADD VIN.*JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-05
- VIN: JB3CU14AXNU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: GLASS WAS SCRATCHING BADLY, AND WAS GETTING WORSE. IT WAS WHITE IN COLOR. NOT ABLE TO SEE OUT OF WINDOWS. NOT VISIBLE TO DRIVE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-24
- VIN: JB3CU14A0NU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: HARMONIC BALANCER BOLT "BACKED" OUT - WAS ADVISED IT WAS MANUFACTURE DEFECT BUT BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED - WAS ADVISED THAT IF THEY HAD TO COVER EVERY MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT THEY WOULD "GO BROKE"- I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH A '93 ENGINE (COMPATIBLE W/ MY '92) WHICH HAD 30,000 MILES ON IT, 35,000 MILES AFTER INSTALLING THE ENGINE, THE HARMONIC BALANCER BOLT "BACKED" OUT AGAIN, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP. I WILL NEVER BUY A CHRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN!!!!!
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-15
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE HOOD OF THE CAR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT FROM THE RETRACTING MECHASIM , CAUSING IT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-09
- VIN: JP3CW40D1NZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL # 97V073000; MITSUBISHI/DRIVER'S SIDE GUIDE RAIL/CONSUMER STARTED HAVING TROUBLE AFTER HAVING RECALL SERVICE. THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT TRAVEL ON THE RAIL. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE CONSUMER TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: JB3CU14AXNU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS PRONE TOO WIDE/CRACKING, CAUSING THE EXHAUST TO ESCAPE INTO THE FRESH AIR INTAKE AND THEN INTO THE VEHICLE. WHEN SEARCHING FOR REPLACEMENT, DIFFICULT TO FIND ONE WITHOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK *ML
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-27
- VIN: JP3CU14A5NU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE TO BE USED. BELT WILL RETRACT WHEN DOOR IS UNLOCKED. BELT IS ONLY TRIGGERED BY DOOR CLOSING OR OPENING. *AK SOMETIMES THE DOOR HAS TO BE REPEATEDLY OPENED AND CLOSED TO GET THE BELT TO CROSS OVER CHEST. * YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY WITH NO ENGINE POWER.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-25
- VIN: 7B3CU24A2NU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FASTEN TIGHTLY, PINNING FRONT PASSENGERS AGAINST THE BACK OF THE SEAT, CAUSING DISCOMFORT/IMMOBILITY.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT SOMTIMES TIGHTENS UP WHEN IN USE . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JB3CU14A1NU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORBELT FAILS TO RELEASE WHEN IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO OFF POSITION. *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-12
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SYSTEM DOES NOT ALWAYS RETRACT, THERFORE NOT RESTRAINING THE OCCUPANT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MANUAL TRANMISSION FAILURE, HAS BEEN REPLACED ON TWO OCASSIONS, THERE IS STRIPPED GEAR CAUSING FAILURE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TOXIC FUMES WITHIN VEHICLE CAME FROM THE BRAKES WHICH WERE MADE OF LEAD/ALUMINUM. *AK
1992 Dodge Colt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 Dodge Colt.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE GUIDE RAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTAINS A COVERED CABLE AND ALSO AN ANGLED BELT GUIDE AT THE TOP END OF THE WEBBING. THE COMBINATION OF THESE FACTORS CAN LEAD, OVER TIME, TO THE CABLE'S MOVEMENT EXERTING ABRADING FORCE TO THE LOWER EDGES OF THE CABLE'S CHAMBER, SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE CABLE TO DROP OUT OF THE CHAMBER WITH THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE BECOMING STUCK.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REPLACEMENT GUIDE RAIL THAT INCORPORATES A DOUBLE LIP DUST SEAL AND AN ANODIC OXIDE COATING.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: EXCESS LUBRICATION CAN CAUSE THE RUBBER DOOR LATCH SWITCH COVER TO DEFORM, AND THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION, SO THAT THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE WOULD REMAIN AT THE A-PILLAR WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH WITH A SWITCH THAT UTILIZES REDUCED LUBRICATING GREASE, IMPROVED CONTACT SURFACE, AND A DIFFERENT RUBBER ISOLATION BOOT.
Negative 1992 Dodge Colt car reviews
Positive 1992 Dodge Colt car reviews
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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.
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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 experience!
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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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Dodge Colt problems:
1992 Dodge Colt Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: * Battery needed replacement 3 times. * Spark plugs have been replaced about 3 times. * Alternator needed replacement.
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.
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Other years of Dodge Colt
Are you having problems with your 1992 Dodge Colt?
Steve Walter 2024-09-25
"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
Kiel Murazik 2024-08-12
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 1991 car. It's been great on gas and has held up well with 93,000 miles on it. The only downside is that there isn't a lot of head room. I think it's a fantastic car and I'm curious why Dodge stopped making it. What are your thoughts on its reliability?
Clay Cruickshank 2024-01-13
You have well over 100000 miles and still running strong!