1986 Dodge Colt Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Dodge Colt (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1986 Dodge Colt. The part named most often is seat belts, with 21 complaints (95% of the total), followed by engine cooling (1) and fuel system (1). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts21 95%
- Engine cooling1 4.5%
- Fuel system1 4.5%
- Body and structure1 4.5%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Consumer received a recall regarding the seat belt buckles with a lifetime warranty. Consumer also stated there had always been problems with the back seat belt buckles. The problem was both back seat belt buckles were stuck in the seat. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted, however they stated they had never heard of recall. Problems still exist with the front seat belt buckle not functioning properly. Consumer has original recall document. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022013, filed 2002-10Body and structure: “For years, water leaking inside trunk. Don't know where leak coming from. Rotted away entire interior of trunk. Around october/november 1999, noticed seat belt won't clip into place, and if it does after several attempts, it's stuck inside. When press button press nothing happens.”
NHTSA complaint #719880, filed 2000-03Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Dodge Colt version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 31 | 37 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Colt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 28 | 35 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Colt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 25 | 29 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Colt FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| Colt FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,750 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103003May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Dodge Colt 1986–1991, RAM 50 1986–1991, Power RAM 50 1986–1991 +7 more
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.
Recall details for the 1986 Dodge Colt → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE94093Takata seat blt bckls failClosed · Dec 21, 1994
- EA92034Engine compartment firesClosed · Oct 22, 1992
- PE91138Rear bumper cover firesClosed · Oct 14, 1991
- PE91066Engine compartment firesClosed · Apr 10, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Dodge Colt.
Other model years of the Dodge Colt
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 18 | 1,000 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 107 | 108,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 14 | — | 2 | — | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 17 | — | 1 | — | 28 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 12 | — | 1 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 33 | — | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 25 | — | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 22 | — | 1 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Colt model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Dodge Colt have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1986 Dodge Colt as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Dodge Colt is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 21 complaints (95% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 1.
Has the 1986 Dodge Colt been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Dodge Colt get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Dodge Colt (Colt, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.