Plymouth 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.
Social links
Plymouth Colt model years
Common Plymouth Colt problems
The Plymouth Colt, a compact car produced by Mitsubishi and sold under the Plymouth brand, has been known for its reliability and durability. However, some common problems have been reported by owners over the years.
- Engine Issues: Some Plymouth Colt owners have reported engine problems, such as the engine stalling or not starting at all. This issue could be due to various factors, including faulty ignition components, fuel system problems, or issues with the engine control module (ECM). In some cases, the problem might be resolved by replacing the faulty parts or updating the ECM software.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are another common issue reported by Plymouth Colt owners. Some have reported issues with the transmission slipping, jerking, or not shifting smoothly. This problem could be due to worn-out clutch plates, low transmission fluid levels, or issues with the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, the problem might be resolved by replacing the faulty parts or updating the TCM software.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: Some Plymouth Colt owners have reported issues with the suspension and steering systems, such as the car pulling to one side or the steering wheel being difficult to turn. This problem could be due to worn-out suspension components, such as bushings or struts, or issues with the power steering system. In some cases, the problem might be resolved by replacing the faulty parts or flushing the power steering fluid.
- Electrical Issues: Some Plymouth Colt owners have reported electrical issues, such as the car not starting or the dashboard lights not working properly. This problem could be due to various factors, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, or issues with the battery or alternator. In some cases, the problem might be resolved by replacing the faulty parts or checking the wiring for any damage.
- Body and Paint Issues: Some Plymouth Colt owners have reported body and paint issues, such as rust or peeling paint. This problem could be due to various factors, including exposure to the elements, road salt, or poor quality paint. In some cases, the problem might be resolved by repairing the affected areas or repainting the car.
It's important to note that not all Plymouth Colt models will experience these issues, and some may not experience any issues at all. However, if you own a Plymouth Colt and are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Plymouth Colt years
We have researched Plymouth problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Plymouth Colt cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Plymouth Colt model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Plymouth Colt model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Plymouth Colt years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Plymouth Colt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Plymouth Colt , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Plymouth Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Colt model years
A total of 4 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Colt model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Colt model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 144 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Colt . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Plymouth Colt vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Plymouth Colt 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JP3BA24K9HU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RESPOND TO REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION DUE TO DRIVER RECEIVING INJURIES PRIOR TO RECEIVING NOTICE OF RECALL (95V-103-003, SUMMARY SENT) FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLES IN A 1987 PLYMOUTH COLT AND SENT A VOQ FOR FUTURE USE. CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD *JS *JS
Plymouth Colt 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2003-05-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JP3CU24X3LU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT HARNESS UNSAFE----DELAYS ON WORKING AND CAUGHT HEAD BETWEEN BELT, STEERING WHEEL AND LEFT WELT ON NECK. SNAP WOULD NOT RELEASE HARNESS BELT. *NLM
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-11
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2P4GH45R6P1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT INFLATE, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO CONSUMER. *JB THE AIR BAG WAS PARTIALLY OUT WITHOUT INFLATING AND CAUSED STEERING WHEEL INJURIES. ALSO THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. SCC
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-22
- VIN: JP3CA46C5PU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER IS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE VEHICLE DOOR, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WILL NOT RETRACT, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WILL TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES AND STOP, WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED, BELT STAYS IN FORWARD POSITION AT ALL TIMES AND A CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD. THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN #97V073002 FOR THIS CONDITION. *AK *TT
Plymouth Colt 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-13
- VIN: JP3BA36K6JU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: FRONT DOOR LATCHES FAULTY. TO LOCK DOORS HANDLE MUST BE HELD UP, DRIVER'S DOOR WAS FIRST TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEM. I WOULD NOTICE DOOR PARTIALLY OPEN SOME MORNING AND I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS MESSING WITH THE CAR. THOUGH ALWAYS EXTREMELY CAREFUL ABOUT LOCKING, I BECAME EVEN MORE SO. PROBLEM PERSISTED, APPROX. 1 MONTH LATER PASSENGER DOOR BEGAN EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM. NOW IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET DOORS TO LATCH WHEN LOCKING. WHEN TURNING CORNER PASSENGER DOOR DID NOT OPEN BUT UNLATCHED ENOUGH TO CAUSE WARNING LIGHTS TO COME ON.
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-14
- VIN: JP3CA36C2PU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE SINCE SIDE GUIDE RAIL IS DEFECTIVE, WIRE FROM SEAT BELT IS SHOWING. THERE IS A RECALL 07V073OOO FOR THIS PROBLEM. ) BUT MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THAT ONLY TWO DOOR VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. *AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-27
- VIN: JP3CA11A3PU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BACK IN 1997 SEATBELT GOT STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION AND BEGAN MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. DEALER INSTALLED BELT FOR REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN IN APRIL2000, AND WAS COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. REPAIRS FOR RECALL STATED "TRACK PACKAGE". SEATBELT IS NOW STUCK AGAIN. DEALER WILL REPAIR SEA TBELT AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE ONLY. *AK THE SHOULDER BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS ALSO FRAYING QUITE RAPIDLY AND THE SHOULDER BELT WAS NOW STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. *YH
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-05-14
- VIN: JP3CA21AOPU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THERE IS RECALL 97V0730002 ON DRIVERS SIDE GUIDE RAIL CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-16
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THIS FAILURE IS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V073002. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO SANTA ROSA DODGE, WHO HAD ORIGINALLY REPAIRED THIS PROBLEM WHEN THE RECALL WAS MADE IN 1997. THIS TIME THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNLESS I PAID FOR IT. IO CONTACTED THE MANUFATURER AT THE NUMBER PROVIDED ON THE RECALL NOTICE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME (THEY GO BY WHAT THE DEALER SAYS). AT THIS TIME I HAVE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT BECAUSE THIS DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-12
- VIN: JP3CA36C7PU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT WAS STUCK. SHE COULD PUSH ON THE BOTTON TO RELEASE AND UNRELEASE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED.*AK AFTER THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED, THE CUSTOMER BEGAN TO MANUALLY BUCKLE THE SHOULDER STRAP BUT THE CABLE BLOCKS THE DRIVER'S BLIND SPOT MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO MAKE A TURN. *YH
Plymouth Colt 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-12
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PEOO 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND FELT THE VEHICLE SWAYING AWAY. THREE OUT FOUR TIRE BLEWOUT, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TIRES WERE FIRESTONE, FR360. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-25
- Date Complaint: 2000-08-02
- VIN: JP3CA46CPU0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: KEY STICKING INTO THE IGNITION SWICH, AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE UNLESS THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON IS PUSHED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAIL. *AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-06-01
- VIN: JP3CA46COPU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKET FAILED. NLM
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-04-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING LIKE SOUND WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS BECAUSE OF A BAD TRANSFER CASE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Plymouth Colt 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2000-04-12
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE MOTOR BELT TRACK IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE BELT NOT TO MOVE INTO A FORWARD POSITION, AND LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT SAFETY RESTRAINT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOED TO CONSUMER. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Plymouth Colt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Plymouth Colt.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Plymouth Colt 1993
- Report Received Date: 1998-10-05
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Model: Plymouth Colt 1992
- Report Received Date: 1998-10-05
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Model: Plymouth Colt 1993
- Report Received Date: 1997-05-12
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Colt 1993
- Report Received Date: 1997-05-12
- 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.
- Model: Plymouth Colt 1992
- Report Received Date: 1997-05-12
- 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.
Are you having problems with your Plymouth Colt?
