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FaultScore report

1994 Dodge Colt problems

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 1994 Dodge Colt with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004. The largest single group is the brakes.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Dodge Colt All 1994 cars
—

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

23

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

How 1994 compares with every other Dodge Colt

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1994 Dodge Colt

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 5 21.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Airbags 3 13.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 13.0%
Seat Belts 2 8.7%
Fuel & Propulsion 2 8.7%
Suspension 2 8.7%
Electrical System 2 8.7%
Equipment & Accessories 1 4.3%
Seats 1 4.3%
Steering 1 4.3%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 1 4.3%

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.

Jan 1995 peak 4 Sep 2004

NHTSA investigations into the 1994 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.

DP03002 Opened 7 May 2003 Closed 22 Jul 2003 STEERING: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...

EA99007 Opened 16 Mar 1999 Closed 30 May 2000 AIR BAGS

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY FROM AN UNDERCARRIAGE OR TIRE/WHEEL IMPACT WITH A CURB, BUMP, DIP POTHOLE, ETC.

EA96014 Opened 28 Jun 1996 Closed 12 Jun 1997 SEAT BELTS

AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ALLEGEDLY MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILS

Recalls on the 1994 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1998204 3,044 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Lakeworth, FL Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 35 MPH. NO POTHOLE OR BUMP. VEHICLE WAS ROLLED OVER AT THE TIME OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #857434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gilbert, WV Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING SERIOUS BURNS TO THE STOMACH AREA, AND SHIRT WAS ALSO BURNED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #813504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Tawand, NY Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING AT 30-40MPH. TT AND THERE WERE ALSO TWO INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #974002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 1,000 miles Doraville, GA

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

THE STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE PARKING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.

NHTSA complaint #10094739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westland, MI

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND GEAR, WON'T SHIFT, AND MAKES LOUD NOISE. ALSO, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF AN AIR BAG SYSTEM PROBLEM. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10042754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westland, MI

AIR BAGS

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT PROPERLY FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND GEAR, WON'T SHIFT, AND MAKES LOUD NOISE. ALSO, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF AN AIR BAG SYSTEM PROBLEM. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10042754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Thornton, CO

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #744748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Citrus Heights, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ENGINE HEAD GASKET WOULD KEEP LEAKING OIL. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR LEAKING GASKET. EACH TIME WOULD BE REPAIRED & THEN PROBLEM WOULD REAPPEAR AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING TO SHIFT PROPERLY.*AK THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW THREE HEAD GASKET HAVE CRACKED. THE AIR CONDITIONER, MASTER CYLINDER, TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #868494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Citrus Heights, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

ENGINE HEAD GASKET WOULD KEEP LEAKING OIL. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR LEAKING GASKET. EACH TIME WOULD BE REPAIRED & THEN PROBLEM WOULD REAPPEAR AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING TO SHIFT PROPERLY.*AK THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW THREE HEAD GASKET HAVE CRACKED. THE AIR CONDITIONER, MASTER CYLINDER, TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #868494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Citrus Heights, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE HEAD GASKET WOULD KEEP LEAKING OIL. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR LEAKING GASKET. EACH TIME WOULD BE REPAIRED & THEN PROBLEM WOULD REAPPEAR AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING TO SHIFT PROPERLY.*AK THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW THREE HEAD GASKET HAVE CRACKED. THE AIR CONDITIONER, MASTER CYLINDER, TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #868494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Citrus Heights, CA

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

ENGINE HEAD GASKET WOULD KEEP LEAKING OIL. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR LEAKING GASKET. EACH TIME WOULD BE REPAIRED & THEN PROBLEM WOULD REAPPEAR AGAIN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING TO SHIFT PROPERLY.*AK THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM CONTINUED AND NOW THREE HEAD GASKET HAVE CRACKED. THE AIR CONDITIONER, MASTER CYLINDER, TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR MOUNTS ALSO FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #868494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Valley, NY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED LAST FEB 24, 2000. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE PASSED SAFETY INSPECTION. LAST APRIL 18, CAR WAS SENT TO A TIRE DEALER FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT. MECHANICS FOUND A HUGE CRACK ON FRAME AT REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM PROBABLY CAUSED BY METAL FATIGUE.. FURTHER VISUAL INSPECTION INDICATE THAT CAR DID NOT ENGAGE IN A COLLISION AND THAT CRACK COULD BE CAUSED BY IMPROPER WELDING DURING ASSEMBLY. ADVISED TO TAKE VEHICLE OFF ROAD IMMEDIATELY FOR SAFETY REASONS.

NHTSA complaint #721655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Valley, NY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A BIG CRACK IN THE FRAME OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR COULD LOSE CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #860643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakeworth, FL Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE STREET AT 35 MPH. NO POTHOLE OR BUMP. VEHICLE WAS ROLLED OVER AT THE TIME OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #857434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Forestville, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

A FUEL SMELL CONSUMES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #829750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pleasnt Hill, CA

SEATS

WHILE DRIVING BOLTS THAT HOLD DRIVER'S SEAT TO VEHICLE CHASSIS BROKE. METAL HAS TORN AWAY FROM CHASSIS. DEALERS NOTED POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #822918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

WHILE MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY GOING 50-55 MPH THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY CUT OFF, LOST ALL POWER EXCEPT FOR THE LIGHTS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC, MECHANIC STATED THAT COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS COMPELETELY DEAD. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.

NHTSA complaint #820908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gilbert, WV Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING SERIOUS BURNS TO THE STOMACH AREA, AND SHIRT WAS ALSO BURNED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.

NHTSA complaint #813504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

N. Weymouth, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER AT VARIOUS TIMES, HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, SEVERAL TIMES, WHO COULD NOT FIND OR FIX PROBLEM, BUT WOULD REPLACE PARTS. SENDING INVOICES.

NHTSA complaint #806969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakdale, CT

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS TWICE AND REAR BRAKE SHOES TWICE. CONSUMER IS DOING THIS EVERY SIX MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint #801068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakdale, CT

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS TWICE AND REAR BRAKE SHOES TWICE. CONSUMER IS DOING THIS EVERY SIX MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint #801068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LAS Vegas, NV

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

DRIVERS SEAT SHOULDER HARNESS TOO FAR BACK, SEAT BELT TWISTS/JAMS IN GUIDE WHEN PULLED FORWARD. *DSH

NHTSA complaint #504108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mercer ISL, WA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

FUEL LINE ROUTED UNDER VEHICLE RUPTURED, STALLING VEHICLE. TT

NHTSA complaint #500969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Tawand, NY Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING AT 30-40MPH. TT AND THERE WERE ALSO TWO INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #974002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE WILL RATTLE WHEN SHIFTING IN 1ST TO 2ND. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN BY MANAGER @ DEALERSHIP, BUT CAN'T DETECT CAUSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA complaint #966556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

HAD PROBLEM ON THE BRAKE CONSUMER DOESN'T KNOW THE KIND OF BRAKE. TT

NHTSA complaint #959401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.