1987 Dodge Colt
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 25 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 107 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
17 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belts did not work in accident and driver hit the steering wheel. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-17
Engine and engine cooling
7 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Power train
5 of 28 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Visibility
3 of 28 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and electrical heating element.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, heard loud burst w/compartment filling with steam and anti-freeze burnt drivers foot from under dash. Please describe details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-26
Tires
1 of 28 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was moving at approximately 35-40 MPH when a 5" Chunk of tread came off the tire and exposed the steel belts in the tire. The air started to leak out. *ak some time after the tread separated the tire started to lose air.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-17
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1991-10-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-21 Rear bumper cover fires
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I
1992-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 1993-10-29 Engine compartment fires
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I
1994-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat blt bckls fail
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R
1995-12-13Seat belts95V103003 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Dodge Colt — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95V103003 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1987 Dodge Colt reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1987 Dodge Colt?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Dodge Colt have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.