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1988 Plymouth Colt 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.

1988 Plymouth Colt

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Common 1988 Plymouth Colt problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 1988 Plymouth Colt, several common problems have been reported:

  • Brake Light Issues: Another common problem reported is the persistent illumination of brake lights, typically occurring around 101,500 miles. This issue 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 resolve this, owners should inspect components like the brake pad set, brake line, ABS control module, parking brake cable, and brake proportioning valve.
  • General Wear and Tear: Over time, like any vehicle, the 1988 Plymouth Colt may experience general wear and tear on various components. Regular maintenance and upkeep of parts like the fog light, windshield wiper, headlight, cabin air filter, and antenna are essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle. Using genuine Dodge Colt parts for replacements and repairs can help maintain the car in top condition.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1988 Plymouth Colt. By addressing these issues proactively, owners can ensure the continued reliability and performance of their vehicles.

1988 Plymouth Colt engine

1988 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
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Other problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Plymouth Colt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Plymouth Colt complaints

The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Plymouth Colt.

2002-02-13

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
  • 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.
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1998-02-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-04
  • VIN: JP3BA24K3JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER UNABLE TO RECEIVE RECALL WORK ON THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
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1997-10-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JP3BA24K3JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED.
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1997-10-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JP3BA24K3JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT BROKEN.
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1997-10-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-07-22
  • VIN: JP3BA26K5JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF BELT AND BUCKLE, DUE TO PART ORDER (ONLY ABLE TO ORDER BUCKLE WITH BELT). (MJS)
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1997-10-03

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-07-22
  • VIN: JP3BA26K5JU
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: FUEL GAUGE FAILED (DASH UNIT).(MJS)
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1997-10-03

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-07-22
  • VIN: JP3BA26K5JU
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: TAIL LIGHT FAILED. (MJS)
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1997-08-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES BROKE, REPLACE BUCKLE.
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1997-08-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JP4EA31P8JV
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE CAR HAS A FRONT SEAT BELT RECALL, AND THE DEALER REMOVED THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY; WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEBLY FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS. *AK
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1996-05-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JP3BA36K7JU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DRIVING HOME, ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE DIED, PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, STARTING SMOKING, GOT BABY AND SELF OUT, HOOD BUCKLED AND FLAMES ENGULFED VEHICLE. *AK
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1996-04-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-02
  • VIN: JP3BA24K3TU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DEALERSHIP IS GIVING THEM THE RUN AROUND ABOUT SEAT BELT RECALL. THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE/PERSON INCHARGE IS NOT IN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. (95V103.003). *AK
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1996-03-13

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-13
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE CRACKED. *SD
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1995-10-13

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-05
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: WHEN JACKING VEHICLE PER INSTRUCTION MANUAL, JACK COLLAPSES, FALLS TO GROUND; DROPPED TWICE; ONCE NEARLY HITTING OWNER ON LEG. TT
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1995-09-11

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-30
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JP3BG39D7JZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT OF PARKING SPACE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. TT
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1995-05-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
  • VIN: JP3BA26K1JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE IS HARD TO LATCH AND NOW IT DOESN'T LATCH AT ALL. TT
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1995-04-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT PASSENGER LAP/SHOULDER BUCKLE FAILS TO ENGAGE NOT HOLDING. TT
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1995-03-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
  • VIN: JP3BA24K9JU
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, TAKATA SEAT BELTS. TT
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1995-02-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-07
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE. TT
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1988 Plymouth Colt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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.
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1988 Plymouth Colt photo