Is the 1989 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 1989 Dodge Colt?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 76% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Dodge Colt have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1989 Dodge Colt

○ Not enough data

1989 Dodge Colt
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:00:01.030Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 33
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Seat belts

Complaints per year

1989: 33 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

76% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-14

Making left turn, drunk driver ran red light, hit vehicle on driver side, seat belt did not lock up, driver was strung around in car.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-18

Vehicles front passenger seat belt buckle release button is partially broken off.(Pe94-093). Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-21

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports

Exterior lighting

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.

Suspension

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing control arm and front.

Steering

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1994-12-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat blt bckls fail
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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-06-28 Auto shoulder belt failure
I
1996-06-28Engineering analysisClosed 1997-06-12 Automatic shoulder belt failure

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Dodge Colt — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Seat belts: 25 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 95V103003 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Dodge Colt?: The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 76% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.