Dodge Colt recalls and complaints by year
19 recall campaigns and 328 complaints in official NHTSA data for the Dodge Colt (1971–1996). The most commonly reported problem areas are Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Power train.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Dodge Colt. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Dodge Colt, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1971–1996 with 19 recall campaigns and 328 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1971 (3), 1993 (2), and 1992 (2).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1993 (121), 1987 (44), and 1989 (37).
- Top recall themes: Seats and restraints, Brakes, and Fuel and emissions.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Power train.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Seats and restraints
3 campaigns · Years: 1986–1993These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
2 campaigns · Years: 1971, 1977These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 1977–1978These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Other
1 campaign · Years: 1971These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
- 71V002000 · Vehicle speed control
Powertrain
1 campaign · Years: 1976These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
- 76V124000 · Power train: Automatic transmission
Structure
1 campaign · Years: 1971These campaigns relate to structural components such as frame/body parts that can affect crash protection or integrity.
- 71V178000 · Structure: Body
Visibility and lighting
1 campaign · Years: 1980These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
- 80V010000 · Interior lighting
Common Problems in NHTSA Data
Across all model years, the most commonly reported problem areas for the Dodge Colt in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Power train.
How to read NHTSA complaint data to research common problems →
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling. |
| 1994 | 0 | 23 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic, Power train, Air bags. |
| 1993 | 2 | 121 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Power train, Seats. |
| 1992 | 2 | 14 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Power train. |
| 1991 | 1 | 17 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system. |
| 1990 | 1 | 14 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Electrical system, Structure. |
| 1989 | 1 | 37 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Exterior lighting. |
| 1988 | 1 | 28 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Power train, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 1987 | 1 | 44 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Power train. |
| 1986 | 1 | 24 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasoline. |
| 1985 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling. |
| 1984 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts. |
| 1982 | 0 | 2 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting. |
| 1980 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1978 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1977 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1976 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1971 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Seat belts , Fuel system and Latches/locks/linkages
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- Ramcharger 1981–1997
- Rampage 1982–1984
- Shadow 1987–1994
- Spirit 1989–1995
- Sprinter 2005–2009
- ST.REGIS 1981–1981
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⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.