VehicleVerdict

1989 Dodge Colt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.5 times the median Colt year — the 1989 model ranks #3 of 21 Colt years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 68% of all reports (25 of 37), far ahead of speed control at 3.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Colt years?

Colt NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colt years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Dodge Colt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2568%
Lighting38%
Speed Control38%
Suspension25%
Engine13%
Electrical System13%
Steering13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1989 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.

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE SEAT BELTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT CATCH. THE SHOULDER BELT WENT FORWARD WITH OWNER AND THE LAP BELT BROKE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 20, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN EITHER DIRECTION, TO CORRECT HAS REPLACED TWO TIRES AND ROTATED TIRES, DLR INDICATES MAY BE SUSPENSION PROBLEM, NOT FIXED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

1989 Dodge Colt — common questions

Is the 1989 Dodge Colt reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1989 model at #3 of 21 Colt years. It is one of the Colt years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Colt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (25 complaints), speed control (3 complaints), lighting (3 complaints).

Does the 1989 Dodge Colt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Dodge Colt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Dodge Colt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.