Plymouth Colt vista 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.

photo of Plymouth Colt vista car production

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Plymouth Colt vista model years

plymouth colt vista 1994 photo
Colt vista 1994
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plymouth colt vista 1993 photo
Colt vista 1993
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91

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plymouth colt vista 1992 photo
Colt vista 1992
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36

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plymouth colt vista 1989 photo
Colt vista 1989
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plymouth colt vista 1987 photo
Colt vista 1987
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plymouth colt vista 1986 photo
Colt vista 1986
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plymouth colt vista 1984 photo
Colt vista 1984
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Common Plymouth Colt vista problems

The Plymouth Colt Vista, also sold as the Eagle Summit Wagon and Mitsubishi Space Wagon, is a compact minivan produced from 1984 to 1996. While many owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle, there are some common problems that have been noted.

One common issue is engine performance problems, such as loss of power, misfires, and hesitation. These issues can be caused by various factors, including clogged fuel injectors, a faulty ignition system, or a malfunctioning sensor. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and timely replacement of wear-and-tear parts, can help prevent many of these issues.

Another issue that has been reported with the Colt Vista is oil leaks, which can be caused by worn out or damaged gaskets, seals, or hoses. The leaks can be minor or major, depending on the severity of the issue, and can lead to low oil levels and engine damage if left unaddressed. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent and detect oil leaks.

The timing belt is another component that has caused problems for some Colt Vista owners. The timing belt can break or slip due to wear and tear or improper maintenance, leading to severe engine damage if not immediately addressed. It is important for drivers to follow the recommended maintenance schedule and replace the timing belt as needed to prevent this issue.

In addition to engine issues, the Colt Vista has also had problems with the transmission and suspension, particularly in the second generation. The third generation saw a significant improvement in these areas, but had its own set of problems including faulty EGR valves, engine misfires, and electrical issues.

Overall, while the Plymouth Colt Vista has had its share of issues, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

Plymouth Colt vista

Percentage distribution of complaints by Plymouth Colt vista years

We have researched Plymouth problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Plymouth Colt vista cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Plymouth Colt vista model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Plymouth Colt vista model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Plymouth Colt vista years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Plymouth Colt vista car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Plymouth Colt vista , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems
  • Electrical system problems

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

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Colt vista model years

A total of 8 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 vista model years

There were a total of 1 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 vista model years

There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Colt vista model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 140 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Plymouth Colt vista . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Plymouth Colt vista vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Plymouth Colt vista 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2004-02-24
  • VIN: JP3EB50G5RZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT SUDDENLY UNBUCKLED BY ITSELF. *JB *NM
Plymouth Colt vista 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-11-07
  • Date Complaint: 2003-11-09
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JP3CV20D8NZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ECM MODULE, WELL KNOWN FOR ITS HEAT RELATED FAILURES IN MITSUBISHI AND PLYMOUTH COLT VISTA MODELS, CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A 1992 PLYMOUTH COLT VISTA 1.8L, 71000 MILES.*AK
Plymouth Colt vista 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 vista 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 vista 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 vista 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 vista 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 vista 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-30
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-01
  • VIN: JP3CB20C9PZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THIS REPORT IS IN REGARDS TO THE 1993 PLYMOUTH COLT VISTA I PURCHASED ON 04-30-01. NEITHER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT MOTORIZED SEATBLETS ARE OPERABLE. THIS LEAVES ONLY THE LAP BELT FOR ANY TYPE OF RESTRAINT. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THIS DEFECT COOULD LEAD TO A FATALITY.*AK
Plymouth Colt vista 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 vista 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2001-01-10
  • VIN: N/A
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: COSNUMER HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO DEALER TO GET REPAIRED DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT PROBLEM WAS UNFIXABLE. RECALL WAS FOR T SHOULDER BELT SYSTEM MOTOR.*AK
Plymouth Colt vista 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2000-10-04
  • VIN: JP3CB50G0PU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: REPLACEMENT PART FAILED, AS WELL, ONE YEAR LATER. SAME SYMPTOMS...NOT DOWNSHIFTING AND STALLING ON A REGULAR BASIS WHEN ENGINE HEATED. SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR.
Plymouth Colt vista 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 vista 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 vista 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 vista 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

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Plymouth Colt vista photo