NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Retractor
1934.5%
Anchorage
1527.3%
Buckle Assembly
712.7%
Webbing
610.9%
Front
23.6%
Power Adjust
23.6%
Door
23.6%
Automatic Transmission
23.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
133.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
133.3%
150,000+ miles
133.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 8Jan 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Dodge Colt
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03002Opened 7 May 2003Closed 22 Jul 2003STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENT...
EA96014Opened 28 Jun 1996Closed 12 Jun 1997SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ALLEGEDLY MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILS
PE96007Opened 19 Jan 1996Closed 28 Jun 1996SEAT BELTS
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ALLEGEDLY MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILS
Recalls on the 1993 Dodge Colt
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
97V073002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
97V063002
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19982043,044 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, leakage of lubricating oil from the transfer case could result in low levels of lubrication causing possible bearing seizure and wheel lock-up. This could result in loss of vehicle control and a possible crash. Correction: Transfer case will be inspected for low fluid level, evidence of oil leakage and operational performance, and will be repaired as necessary. If the transfer case does not operate properly, it will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rainier, ORCrash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEAT DISENGAGED FROM THE POSITION THAT IT WA S SUPPOSE TO BE LOCKED IN; IT SNAPPED AND SLID TO THE REAR. IT HAS CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, ONLY DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #842524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA1 injured
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVERS AUTOMATIC RETRACTABLE SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT ON THE TRACK.
NHTSA complaint #968104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEL RIO, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
AFTER REAR IMPACT DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SEATBELT LOCKUP, RESULTING IN INJURIES. TT
NHTSA complaint #964162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome, GACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS OPENED UP, UPON SIDE IMPACT. TT
NHTSA complaint #960226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 67,194 milesKingman, AZ
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10446063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesTehachapi, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10157541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesNewark, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
CONSUMER WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT A RETRACTABLE SEAT BELT PROBLEM. THE CABLE CORD CAME LOOSE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE CABLE CORD WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY SEAT BELT REPAIRS NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *AK *CB THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED BACK IN 1997.
NHTSA complaint #10048291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED AGAIN AFTER RECALL WAS DONE SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I CALLED DEALER & TEHY SAID THEY WOULD REQUEST THE PARTS & REPAIR AGAIN. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY CALLED ME & SAID THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERED THE TRACK HARDWARE & THAT THE BELT MOTOR WAS STRIPPED. THEY REFUSED TO INSTALL THE RECALL PARTS THEY HAD WITHOUT REPLACING THE MOTOR AT A COST OF OVER $600. I TURNED THIS DOWN & WAS CHARGED $35 FOR THEIR TROUBLE???. I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT CHRYSLER OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD WITH SEAT BELTS THAT DON'T WORK. I THOUGHT SEATS BELTS HAD TO BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIPS NO MATTER HOW THEY FAILED? SOMEBODY PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFOR MYSELF, FAMILY OR OTHERS ARE INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #763508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #763554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #763511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS ON RECALL AND FIXED, AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE SEAT BELT TRACK FELL APART.
NHTSA complaint #563593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS ON RECALL AND FIXED, AFTER IT WAS REPLACED THE SEAT BELT TRACK FELL APART.
NHTSA complaint #563593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencerport, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELT IS RAVELING, CONSUMER HAD RECALL 97V073002 COMPLETED REGARDING THE GUIDE RAIL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Orange, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
ROOF STRUTS IN VEHICLE WERE RUSTED AND REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP IN SUMMER OF 1999. TWO YEARS LATER, STRUTS WERE RUSTING AGAIN. DEALERSHIP WAS REFUSING TO ASSIST CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #892073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
GUIDE CLIP ON RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT FOR BELT IS MADE IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CUTS INTO BELT ITSELF, CAUSING BELT TO SHRED SEVERLY. VERY HAZARDOUS AND WILL NOT RESTRAIN PERSON IN VEHICLE IF EVER AN ACCCIDENT SHOULD OCCUR.
NHTSA complaint #745643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffern, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #888779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffern, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
NHTSA complaint #888779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hempstead, NY
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CABLE HAS COME OUT OF PLACE WHICH CAUSED SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. ALSO, RECALL NUMBER 97V073002 DEALT WITH SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK DEALER VALIDATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM AND AGREED TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE BELT SYSTEM, HOWEVER A REPRESENTATIVE DECIDED THAT CONSUMER NEEDED TO PAY HALF OF THE COSTS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hempstead, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CABLE HAS COME OUT OF PLACE WHICH CAUSED SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. ALSO, RECALL NUMBER 97V073002 DEALT WITH SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK DEALER VALIDATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM AND AGREED TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE BELT SYSTEM, HOWEVER A REPRESENTATIVE DECIDED THAT CONSUMER NEEDED TO PAY HALF OF THE COSTS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #884750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, TX
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #741260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FIRST 2 RECALLS WERE PERFORMED BY BLACKWELL DODGE. SINCE THIS TIME, MY SEATBELTS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND ARE NOW NON-WORKING. WITH REPEATED CALLS TO DODGE, NO HELP OR SOLUTION HAS BEEN OBTAINED. THE ONLY RESPONSE I HAVE RECEIVED THROUGH CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT DODGE IS THAT IS NOT THEIR FAULT AND THEY REPLACED THE PARTS REQUIRED OF THEM BY THE RECALL. THEY CLAIM THE PROBLEM IS WITH A "SENDER UNIT" AND/OR A "SENSOR PROBLEM" ON THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT SYSTEM. THEY WERE ALSO QUICK TO INFORM ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE PARTS. SEATBELTS ARE A MATTER OF HIGH PRIORITY. I FEEL DODGE HAS INSTALLED DEFECTIVE PARTS AND ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS, BUT REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY FEEL IT IS NOT THEIR "PROBLEM". IF THEIR PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE, THEN THEY SHOULD BE REPLACE WITH NEW WORKING PARTS AT THEIR EXPENSE. HOW CAN A CAR COMPANY NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NUMBER ONE SAFETY FEATURE AS REQUIRED BY LAW WHEN IT MALFUNCTIONS? I HOPE THIS MATTER WILL BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE DODGE IS NOT AND HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL IN THIS MATTER. I AND MY PASSENGERS ARE FACING UNDO RISK BY THE LACK OF WORKING RESTRAINTS. WE ARE LIMITED TO THE MANUAL LAPBELT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATE AND REMEDIED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER -- EITHER BY REPAIRING THE SEATBELTS TO LIKE NEW WORKING CONDITION OR REPLACING THESE AUTOMATIC NIGHTMARES WITH MANUAL SEATBELTS. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT BECAUSE I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE FIRST ONE LAST YEAR. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #741409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, NV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
DODGE RE-CALLED THIS CAR IN 1995 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE, BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #738640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Godfree, IL
SEAT BELTS
THE RIGHT FRONT MOTORBELT TRACK WORE OUT CAUSING THE CABLE TO FALL OUT, THE MOTORBELT WILL NOT MOVE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #875703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE DUE TO THE GUIDERAIL MALFUNCTIONING. NHTSA RECALL 97V073002/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 728 DEALT WITH SAME PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. BOTH DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #873702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stroudsburg, PA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #726051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastopol, CA
SEAT BELTS
RECALL 97V073: GUIDERAIL. REMEDY FAILED. *AK SEAT BELT FAILED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE RECALL WAS ISSUED AND WAS FIXED. IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND FIXED BUT CONTINUES TO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #867549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pine Bush, NY
SEAT BELTS
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
NHTSA complaint #865564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crockett, TX
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #859977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guilford, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
RECALL 97V0730000; PASSENGER'S SEATBELT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE SEATBELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH WONT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF A CRASH. PREVIOUSLY, THE DEALER FIXED THE SEATBELT UNDER RECALL REPAIRS. BUT THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. PROBLEM REPAIRS AT CHRYSLER'S EXPENSE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #859240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.