1986 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.
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Common 1986 Plymouth Colt problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1986 Plymouth Colt, common problems reported include engine troubles, brake light issues, and carburetor problems.
- Engine Troubles: Owners have reported unusual engine noises, misfires, stalling, and starting issues, typically surfacing around 120,000 to 140,000 miles. Symptoms may include reduced fuel efficiency, cooling system problems, power loss during acceleration, and an illuminated Check Engine Light. Immediate inspection of components like the air filter, fuel pump, fuel tank, intake manifold gasket, oil pan gasket, and radiator hose is recommended in such cases.
- Brake Light Problems: Another common issue is the persistent illumination of brake lights, often occurring around 101,500 miles. This problem can manifest as leaking brake fluid, noisy or unresponsive brakes, parking cable failure, brake lockup on wet surfaces, and simultaneous activation of Parking Brake Light, Brake Warning Light, and ABS Light. To address this, inspection of components like the brake pad set, brake line, ABS control module, parking brake cable, and brake proportioning valve is necessary.
- Carburetor Issues: Carburetor problems have been noted by owners, leading to idling issues, stalling at traffic lights, and overall poor engine performance. While some models switched to fuel injection in later years, carbureted versions faced challenges with correct idling and consistent performance. Carburetor work is often required to address these issues.
These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to keep the 1986 Plymouth Colt running smoothly.
1986 Plymouth Colt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Colt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Plymouth Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Plymouth Colt complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Plymouth Colt.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: JP3BA24K1GU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RECALL WORK NOT COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS OCCASIONALLY FAIL TO BUCKLE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS IN REAR SEAT INTERMITTENTLY STICK, MAKING THEM UNUSABLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
- VIN: JP3BA24K9GU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE; OCCUPANT TRAPPED INSIDE; EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO WIGGLE OUT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-06
- VIN: JP2EA24K7GU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS INOPERATIVE.(PE94-093). TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-03
- VIN: JB3BA44FXGU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS RELEASE MECHANISM CHIPPED, CAUSING PIECES TO FALL INTO LOCKING MECHANISMS, RESULTING IN BUCKLES JAMMING. *SKD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BUCKLE IS BROKEN. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-29
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TW
1986 Plymouth Colt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Plymouth Colt.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
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