Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 121 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 60.5 times the median Colt year — the 1993 model ranks #1 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 84% of all reports (102 of 121), far ahead of transmission at 5.
121
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 102 | 84% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH WITH A SWITCH THAT UTILIZES REDUCED LUBRICATING GREASE, IMPROVED CONTACT SURFACE, AND A DIFFERENT RUBBER ISOLATION BOOT.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REPLACEMENT GUIDE RAIL THAT INCORPORATES A DOUBLE LIP DUST SEAL AND AN ANODIC OXIDE COATING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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. *AK”
“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…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 121 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 21 Colt years. It is one of the Colt years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (102 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), seats (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Dodge Colt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.