1994 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 1994 Dodge Colt problems
The Dodge Colt 1994 is a compact car that was popular in its time, but like any vehicle, it has its fair share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Engine problems: The 1994 Dodge Colt's engine has been known to have issues, including excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Some owners have reported needing engine rebuilds or replacements due to this issue.
- Electrical issues: The Dodge Colt 1994 has been known to have electrical problems, such as malfunctioning power windows, power locks, and other electrical accessories. These issues can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, leading to frustration for owners.
- Suspension and steering problems: Some Dodge Colt 1994 owners have reported issues with the car's suspension and steering systems. These problems can include excessive play in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and poor handling, which can make the car difficult to control and uncomfortable to drive.
- Body rust: As with many cars of this era, the Dodge Colt 1994 can be prone to rust, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and other areas where moisture can accumulate. This can lead to cosmetic issues, as well as more serious problems if the rust compromises the structural integrity of the car.
- Interior wear: The interior of the Dodge Colt 1994 can show signs of wear and tear over time, particularly in areas such as the seats, dashboard, and door panels. This can lead to a less-than-pleasant driving experience and can decrease the car's value if not addressed.
It's important to note that not all Dodge Colt 1994s will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider having the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and upkeep can also help prevent or mitigate these issues, potentially extending the life of the car and improving the overall driving experience.
What year did they stop making the Dodge Colt?
1994
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.
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 year did they stop making Dodge calibers?
2012
The Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback manufactured and marketed by Chrysler's Dodge division from the 2007 through 2012 model years, replacing the Dodge Neon and Chrysler PT Cruiser.
When did Colt become Mitsubishi?
Colt was also used as a marque from 1974 to 1984 by the Colt Car Company to market Mitsubishi vehicles in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, the Colt brand ceased in favour of the Mitsubishi name in 1970, upon the release of the "Dyna-wedge" Galant 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.
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 Dodge was Bumblebee?
The original Dodge Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet two-door coupe, and was produced from 1968 until 1970. It was Dodge's low-priced muscle car and rebranded and mildly distinguished from the Plymouth Road Runner.
1994 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Dodge Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Dodge Colt complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Dodge Colt.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-15
- VIN: JP3EA36CXRU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE PARKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-10
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND GEAR, WON'T SHIFT, AND MAKES LOUD NOISE. ALSO, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF AN AIR BAG SYSTEM PROBLEM. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: JB3EA11A5RU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-17
- VIN: JB3DA36C3RU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD GASKET WOULD KEEP LEAKING OIL. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR LEAKING GASKET. EACH TIME WOULD BE REPAIRED & THEN PROBLEM WOULD REAPPEAR AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING TO SHIFT PROPERLY.*AK THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW THREE HEAD GASKET HAVE CRACKED. THE AIR CONDITIONER, MASTER CYLINDER, TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO FAILED. *YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-18
- VIN: JB3EA46C6RU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A BIG CRACK IN THE FRAME OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR COULD LOSE CONTROL. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: JB3EA46C6RU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED LAST FEB 24, 2000. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE PASSED SAFETY INSPECTION. LAST APRIL 18, CAR WAS SENT TO A TIRE DEALER FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT. MECHANICS FOUND A HUGE CRACK ON FRAME AT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM PROBABLY CAUSED BY METAL FATIGUE.. FURTHER VISUAL INSPECTION INDICATE THAT CAR DID NOT ENGAGE IN A COLLISION AND THAT CRACK COULD BE CAUSED BY IMPROPER WELDING DURING ASSEMBLY. ADVISED TO TAKE VEHICLE OFF ROAD IMMEDIATELY FOR SAFETY REASONS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 35 MPH. NO POTHOLE OR BUMP. VEHICLE WAS ROLLED OVER AT THE TIME OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JB3EA21A9RU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: A FUEL SMELL CONSUMES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-17
- VIN: JP3EA11A1RU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING BOLTS THAT HOLD DRIVER'S SEAT TO VEHICLE CHASSIS BROKE. METAL HAS TORN AWAY FROM CHASSIS. DEALERS NOTED POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-07
- VIN: JB3EA21A9RU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY GOING 50-55 MPH THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY CUT OFF, LOST ALL POWER EXCEPT FOR THE LIGHTS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC, MECHANIC STATED THAT COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS COMPELETELY DEAD. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JB3EA11A6RU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING SERIOUS BURNS TO THE STOMACH AREA, AND SHIRT WAS ALSO BURNED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-02
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER AT VARIOUS TIMES, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, SEVERAL TIMES, WHO COULD NOT FIND OR FIX PROBLEM, BUT WOULD REPLACE PARTS. SENDING INVOICES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JP3EA36C7RU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS TWICE AND REAR BRAKE SHOES TWICE. CONSUMER IS DOING THIS EVERY SIX MONTHS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-18
- VIN: JB3EA21ABRU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT SHOULDER HARNESS TOO FAR BACK, SEAT BELT TWISTS/JAMS IN GUIDE WHEN PULLED FORWARD. *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-02
- VIN: 3B3AA4633RT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE ROUTED UNDER VEHICLE RUPTURED, STALLING VEHICLE. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JB3EA31C2RU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING AT 30-40MPH. TT AND THERE WERE ALSO TWO INJURIES. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL RATTLE WHEN SHIFTING IN 1ST TO 2ND. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN BY MANAGER @ DEALERSHIP, BUT CAN'T DETECT CAUSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAD PROBLEM ON THE BRAKE CONSUMER DOESN'T KNOW THE KIND OF BRAKE. TT
Negative 1994 Dodge Colt car reviews
Positive 1994 Dodge Colt car reviews
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I bought this car from my brother in early 2005 and it has been the most dependable car I've ever owned. I can't help but chuckle when I see car commercials boasting about their gas mileage, when my 14-year-old car gets the same or even better gas mileage than most new cars. With over 140k miles on the car, it's safe to say that this car is built to last. I plan on keeping it until it's no longer feasible to repair, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. This alone speaks volumes about the quality of this car. While some people may nitpick about minor details, I believe this car is perfect for its intended purpose.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 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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Lyric Wyman 2024-07-01
You've had your car for 8 years and it's still running! That's amazing! You've only had to change the timing belt once and it currently has 271,000 miles. It sounds like your car is a great example of basic transportation that is incredibly reliable.