1987 Plymouth Colt problems

General information about Plymouth-Colt
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1987 Plymouth Colt problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems reported by owners of the 1987 Plymouth Colt:

Brake Light Issues: Another common problem is the persistent illumination of brake lights, often accompanied by leaking brake fluid, noisy or unresponsive brakes, parking cable failure, brake lockup on wet surfaces, and simultaneous activation of various warning lights. To address this, inspection of components like the brake pad set, brake line, parking brake cable, and brake proportioning valve is necessary.

Electrical Glitches: Some owners have experienced electrical issues, such as a wiring harness glitch that caused the wipers to swipe when the horn was honked. While this may not affect the car's performance, it can be an inconvenience and a source of amusement at times.

Transmission Problems: Although not explicitly mentioned in the sources for the 1987 model, transmission issues can be common in older vehicles. Owners may face issues like gear slipping, rough shifting, or transmission fluid leaks, which can affect the car's drivability and performance.
General Wear and Tear: As the 1987 Plymouth Colt ages, general wear and tear on components like suspension parts, steering system, and exhaust system can lead to issues like vibrations, noises, and reduced overall performance. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts can help mitigate these problems.

By addressing these common issues promptly and performing regular maintenance, owners can ensure the longevity and reliability of their 1987 Plymouth Colt.

1987 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
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

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

1987 Plymouth Colt complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Plymouth Colt.

2020-01-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-08-15
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

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1996-08-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
VIN: JP3BA24K5HU
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: RECALL WORK DENIED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS ON SEAT BELT BUCKLES.

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1996-06-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-03-12
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE REAR SEATBELT BUCKLES ARE NOT LATCHING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

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1996-06-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-11-15
Crash: 1
VIN: JP3BA36K4HU
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: RIGHT FRONT BRAKE PADS FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAUSED ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT STANDSTILL. *AK

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1995-12-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JP3BA26K3HU
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS HARD TO UNLOCK . TT

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1995-02-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-02-27
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROPERLY LATCH DUE TO BROKEN PIECES OF RELEASE BUTTON. (TK521) PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

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1987 Plymouth Colt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Plymouth Colt.

1995-05-24

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.