VehicleVerdict

1993 Plymouth Colt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.8 times the median Colt year — the 1993 model ranks #1 of 13 Colt years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 82% of all reports (64 of 78), far ahead of transmission at 5.

78

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Colt years?

Colt NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colt years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Plymouth Colt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts6482%
Transmission56%
Electrical System34%
Engine23%
Seats23%
Airbags11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 1993 Plymouth Colt have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V168003TransmissionOctober 5, 1998 · 6,198 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

97V063002Latches & LocksMay 12, 1997 · 46,000 units

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.

97V073002Seat BeltsMay 12, 1997 · 24,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN CONSUMER IS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE VEHICLE DOOR, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WILL NOT RETRACT, THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WILL TRAVEL APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES AND STOP, WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED, BELT STAYS IN FORWARD POSITION AT ALL TIMES AND A CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 19, 2002

“KEY STICKING INTO THE IGNITION SWICH, AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE UNLESS THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON IS PUSHED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 25, 1996

“KEY STICKING INTO THE IGNITION SWICH, AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. IT WILL NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE UNLESS THE OVERDRIVE BUTTON IS PUSHED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 1996

“AUTOMATIC PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WIRING FELL OUT OF TRACK. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD A RECALL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BELT AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT. WE NEED THE SEAT BELT FOR SAFETY MEASURE WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR. THANK YOU KELLY BARTUNEK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 1, 1999

1993 Plymouth Colt — common questions

Is the 1993 Plymouth Colt reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 13 Colt years. It is one of the Colt years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 Colt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (64 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1993 Plymouth Colt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Plymouth Colt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Plymouth Colt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.