1987 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.

1987 Plymouth Colt vista

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Common 1987 Plymouth Colt vista problems

The Plymouth Colt Vista 1987, also known as the Eagle Vista Wagon, was a compact station wagon produced by Mitsubishi and sold under various badges. While the car was praised for its spacious interior and versatility, it had several common problems that owners frequently reported.

  • Electrical Issues: Another common problem with the Colt Vista was electrical issues, such as malfunctioning gauges, radios, and power windows. These problems were often caused by worn-out wiring or faulty components. The dashboard gauges, in particular, were criticized for their design, which wasted a lot of space.
  • Rust: Rust was a significant problem with the Colt Vista, particularly in areas such as the wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate. This issue was often caused by exposure to road salt and moisture, which could cause the metal to corrode over time. Rust could also lead to more serious problems, such as compromised structural integrity and leaks.
  • Suspension and Steering Issues: The Colt Vista was also known for suspension and steering issues, such as worn-out bushings, ball joints, and tie rods. These problems could lead to a rough ride, poor handling, and increased wear and tear on other components. Regular maintenance, such as replacing worn-out parts and aligning the wheels, could help prevent these issues.
  • Transmission Problems: Transmission problems were also common in the Colt Vista, particularly in automatic transmissions. These problems could include slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. In some cases, the transmission could fail entirely, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.

In summary, the Plymouth Colt Vista 1987 was a versatile and spacious compact station wagon, but it had several common problems that owners frequently reported. These issues included engine overheating, electrical problems, rust, suspension and steering issues, and transmission problems. Regular maintenance, such as replacing worn-out parts and keeping up with fluid changes, could help prevent many of these issues and prolong the life of the vehicle.

1987 Plymouth Colt vista engine

1987 Plymouth Colt vista car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Colt vista problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Plymouth Colt vista vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Plymouth Colt vista complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Plymouth Colt vista.

1998-04-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-22
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, FAILURE RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
1998-04-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-22
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OIL SEALS FAILED RESULTING IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE.
1998-04-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSING LEAKING.
1998-04-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-13
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
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