VehicleVerdict

1988 Dodge Colt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1988 Dodge Colt — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Colt years?

Colt NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted121 complaints1971: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 24 complaints1987: 44 complaints1988: 28 complaints1989: 37 complaints1990: 14 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 14 complaints1993: 121 complaints1994: 23 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 2 complaints
Colt NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colt years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Dodge Colt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2279%
Transmission27%
Fuel System14%
Seats14%
Speed Control14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 1988 Dodge Colt have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103003Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 920,000 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“RECALL 95V103003, SEAT BELT BUCKLES. IT HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS SINCE CONSUMER HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM REMEDIED. THUS FAR, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER KEEP TELLING HER THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. SHE HAS COMPLETED ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 19, 1998

“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HEARD NOISE, SUDDENLY TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, LOST VEHICLE POWER, USED MOMENTUM TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASH, TRANSMISSION REBUILT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1996

“I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS TIRE IN 1998. THE TIRES WERE ONLY TWO MONTHS OLD WHEN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF THE RIM AND CAUSED ME TO SPIN INTO A GUARDRAIL. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD TO CAUSE THE ACCIDENT. IT WAS REPORTED AS A BLOW OUT BUT THE TIRE ITSELF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

1988 Dodge Colt — common questions

Is the 1988 Dodge Colt reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 Colt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (22 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), speed control (1 complaints).

Does the 1988 Dodge Colt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Dodge Colt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Dodge Colt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Colt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Colt years to avoid are 1993, 1987, 1989. The cleanest record among Colt years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.