VehicleVerdict

1988 Plymouth Colt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1988 Plymouth 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Colt years?

Colt NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted78 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 6 complaints1988: 18 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 15 complaints1993: 78 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 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 Plymouth Colt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1267%
Fuel System16%
Latches & Locks16%
Electrical System16%
Other16%
Speed Control16%
Lighting16%

Does the 1988 Plymouth 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.

“THE DEALERSHIP IS GIVING THEM THE RUN AROUND ABOUT SEAT BELT RECALL. THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE/PERSON INCHARGE IS NOT IN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. (95V103.003). *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 2, 1996

“WHEN JACKING VEHICLE PER INSTRUCTION MANUAL, JACK COLLAPSES, FALLS TO GROUND; DROPPED TWICE; ONCE NEARLY HITTING OWNER ON LEG. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 5, 1995

“DRIVING HOME, ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE DIED, PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, STARTING SMOKING, GOT BABY AND SELF OUT, HOOD BUCKLED AND FLAMES ENGULFED VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 4, 1996 · fire

1988 Plymouth Colt — common questions

Is the 1988 Plymouth Colt reliable?

The record is thin — 18 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 (12 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints), speed control (1 complaints).

Does the 1988 Plymouth Colt have recalls?

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

Is the 1988 Plymouth Colt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Plymouth Colt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Colt years to avoid are 1993. 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.