1993 Dodge Colt: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 107 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (87% of complaints); the 1991 and 1992 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge colt. The contact stated that the automatic seat belt cable was came loose and caused the seat belts to become inoperable. The contact mentioned that the failure was repaired three times prior to the most recent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who offered to pay for the repairs the dealer diagnosed the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 67,194 and the current mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2003
“There was a recall on the seat belts for my 1993 dodge colt in 1997. I had them fixed according to the recall, but they failed again a couple of years ago. Same problem. There is an automatic seat belt slide for the shoulder harness on both front seats and it does not work. This is incredibly dangerous and unacceptable. I am afraid to use my car, afraid we'll die in a crash. Please get the manufacturer to recall this again or at least allow me another "fix" so that we can be safe. Tia. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2002
“This is follow-up to odi id#543609. Passive restraint on drivers side failed & repairs which the dealership stated that the drive motor belt failed due to the age of the vehicle and was not included in the recall. Calls to chrysler customer assistance have failed. The recall is for failed restraints which mine has done but the mfg says the motor is not covered even though the motor belt was "stripped" because the cables got stuck in the tracks. This car is old but only has 53k miles on it. The seat belts are required by federal & state laws & should be covered by the mfg for any failure other than collision or intentional damage. Please help me.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Cable on the drivers side seat belt fell out of the guide rail, resulting in a seat belt the will not restrain properly. This same defect was recalled on the two door 1993 dodge colts but not on the four door colts according to the manufacturer.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2000
“The transmission failed! Bearings were all pitted & lopsided. Garage attempted to get a used replacement without success. Several transmission shops told me that they think every one made has failed? I couldn't get a used replacement within a 100 mile radius! I finally got a shop to install a rebuild kit at a total cost of aprox $900. I don't believe there are no other complaints on this trans from what I heard trying to get mine repaire.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2000
“Recall 97v073002/driver's side guide rail: passenger side cable dropped out of chamber and shoulder belt anchorage become stuck, leaving occupant without proper restraint. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that recall was only for driver's side, and any repairs would be at consumer cost. *ak *ml”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2000
“My colt first had troubles with the seatbelt in 1996. Tha automatic belts would get stuck or not move either forward or back. It was taken care of by the dealer at no charge. When I got the recall in jan1998 it again went in after just starting trouble again. Now in 2000 thedriver side has done it again. It has been fixed again for the third time. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2000
“Recall 97v073002/ seat belt buckles. Two years after the recall had been performed the guide rail failed. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Dealer will repair the vehicle at the owner's expense. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2000
“Recall 97 v 073 002/driver's side guide rail: driver's side passive restraint belt would intermittently stay in forward position, and not secure occupant. Dealer was notified, and informed consumer this vehicle not cover under recall due to VIN. *ak the dealer damaged the door in the process of replacing the seat belt. The seat belt still did not operate properly. *yh”Owner report · Structure · Dec 1999
“Dealer installed a new replacement guide rail, but refused to replace assembly cable unless cost go to consumer as per recall 97v-073.002. Can NHTSA help in this matter or provide addtional information. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
EXCESS LUBRICATION CAN CAUSE THE RUBBER DOOR LATCH SWITCH COVER TO DEFORM, AND THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION, SO THAT THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE WOULD REMAIN AT THE A-PILLAR WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH WITH A SWITCH THAT UTILIZES REDUCED LUBRICATING GREASE, IMPROVED CONTACT SURFACE, AND A DIFFERENT RUBBER ISOLATION BOOT.
THE GUIDE RAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTAINS A COVERED CABLE AND ALSO AN ANGLED BELT GUIDE AT THE TOP END OF THE WEBBING. THE COMBINATION OF THESE FACTORS CAN LEAD, OVER TIME, TO THE CABLE'S MOVEMENT EXERTING ABRADING FORCE TO THE LOWER EDGES OF THE CABLE'S CHAMBER, SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE CABLE TO DROP OUT OF THE CHAMBER WITH THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE BECOMING STUCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REPLACEMENT GUIDE RAIL THAT INCORPORATES A DOUBLE LIP DUST SEAL AND AN ANODIC OXIDE COATING.
How other years compare
Check your exact Colt by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1993 Dodge Colt reliable?
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Dodge Colt. The most complained-about area is seat belts (87% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Dodge Colt problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 108,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Dodge Colt have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.