1987 Dodge Colt Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed 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 / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Dodge Colt (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Dodge Colt. The part named most often is seat belts, with 17 complaints (61% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and transmission and drivetrain (4). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. 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 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 belts17 61%
- Engine cooling5 18%
- Brakes1 3.6%
- Electrical system1 3.6%
- Equipment1 3.6%
- Fuel system1 3.6%
- Suspension1 3.6%
- Tires1 3.6%
Complaints 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 1987 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 | 29 | 34 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Colt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Colt FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Colt FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,300 |
| 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 1987 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
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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 1987 Dodge Colt have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Dodge Colt as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Dodge Colt is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 17 complaints (61% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1987 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 1987 Dodge Colt get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Dodge Colt (Colt, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 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.