AI Damage1991 Dodge Colt: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Dodge Colt filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, most often about seat belts and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 17
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Seat belts 53% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 12% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 6% of all complaints
- 5 Seats 6% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 6% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 6% of all complaints
- Seat belts: 9 complaints (53% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (12% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (12% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (6% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 17 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Consumer wife was driving went to apply the brake there was no brake it was the master cylinder is needed to be replace . Tt
While driving the vehicle had shut down and would not restart. Ts scc
Wiring harness from the battery to the firewall short circuited, causing an under hood fire.
Ecu module computer module failed causing complete engine shut down. Mjs
Recall repair not performed on seat belt buckles due to unavailability of parts.
While driving vehicle the fuel injector in the fuel pump area just down and allows the vehicle to shut down in full operation. Vehicle has been in the shop 3 times for this problem and the problem has not been resolved.
Exhaust manifold has a hole in it, causing fumes to leak into passenger compartment.
#ea9604, the automatic shoulder belt on the driver's and passenger's sides clutches intermittently.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,820 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Colt has 20 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 17, below average.
What to check before buying
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Dodge Colt?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: seat belts, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 17. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (24%), fuel system, fuel smell (6%), smoke, burning smell, fire (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Dodge Colt?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Dodge Colt from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.