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Dodge Colt — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Dodge Colt model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
1993, 1990, 1989, 1987, 1986
Best Years
1983, 1981, 1980, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972
1996
2 complaints0 recalls8 TSBs
1995
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.2 TSBs
1994
23 complaints0 recalls3 invest.7 TSBs
1993Avoid
121 complaints2 recalls3 invest.8 TSBs
1992
14 complaints2 recalls2 invest.5 TSBs
1991
17 complaints1 recalls3 invest.4 TSBs
1990Avoid
14 complaints1 recalls4 invest.4 TSBs
1989Avoid
37 complaints1 recalls3 invest.4 TSBs
1988
28 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1987Avoid
44 complaints1 recalls3 invest.
1986Avoid
24 complaints1 recalls4 invest.
1985
1 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1984
1 complaints1 recalls
1983Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1982
2 complaints1 recalls
1981Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1980Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1979
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.1 TSBs
1978
0 complaints3 recalls1 invest.
1977
0 complaints2 recalls1 invest.
1976Best Year
0 complaints1 recalls
1975Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1974Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1973Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1972Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1971
0 complaints3 recalls

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Dodge Colt Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1993, 1990, 1989, 1987, 1986 Dodge Colt are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Dodge Colt, consider the 1983, 1981, 1980, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed