- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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 are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Dodge Colt Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 1989 Dodge Colt with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (25) and the acceleration & cruise control (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 1995 for the buckle assembly. For comparison, the 1988 has 25 and the 1990 has 13.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Colt year, for its age
#41 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Dodge Colt problems
Share of all 33 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Dodge Colt recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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33 complaints about the 1989 Dodge Colt
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
The driver's side automatic seat belt system has locked up and won't move. It is not in the latched position. *Ak
When the headlights are on and when applying the brakes the right rear tail lights go out, cause unknown. *Ak
Recall # 95v103003, contacted dealer in jan of 97. Part has been on back order for (7) months. *Ak
Contacted thomas dodge for the second time and the parts have not been shipped to the dealer. *Ak
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. *Ak
Recall repairs refused on seat belt buckle due to unavailability of parts.
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON, CAUSING BATTERY TO DIE.
The automatic seat belt on the driver's side is stuck in the retractor in closed position. The problem has not been corrected. *Ak
While driving brake lights & tail lights would go out when vehicle hit a bump; took vehicle to dealer who fixed it the first time ; did not fix it on last visit. Last few times; was told by dealer maybe vehicle had ground wiring problems. *Ak
While driving steering wheel jerks in either direction, to correct has replaced two tires and rotated tires, dlr indicates may be suspension problem, not fixed. *Ak
The parts were ordered on may 14, 1996 and the parts still have not been received. *Ak
TIE ROD BROKE, CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO FALL OFF.
First contact with the dealer was on 4-22-96. The consumer has not received notice on the availability of the parts.*Ak
Motorized shoulder belt will not release from its housing. Driver must manually unfasten to exit the vehicle. *Ak
Motorized seat belts stay in the open position. *Sd
Both driver/passenger passive restraint fails to engage; system inoperative. *Ak
Pe96-007 active, automatic lap/shoulder belt failure, will not retract on the driver's side (other vehicle on 802685). *Ak
#95V103003, received recall, car sat at dealer for two days, service call back, there are no parts, please decribe. *Ak
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. *Ak
Ball joint secured by snap ring which is .003 Inches larger than slot, allowing snap ring to fall off/joint to come out. *Dsh
All rear seatbelt buckles are inoperative, upon latching won't release, buttons have crumbled into pieces. *Ak
Seat belt buckle failed to buckle after recall repairs. *Sd
The seatbelt was replaced twice and had the same defect as the 1988 colt recall. Tt
Red piece inside buckle on passenger seating position broke while fastening. Tt
The driver side seat belt can not release from the buckle. Tt *slc
Dodge Colt: every year compared
All Colt years1989 Dodge Colt vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Dodge Colt | 33 | 1 | F | |
| 1989 Dodge Caravan | 194 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge Dakota | 64 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge Daytona | 35 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge Aries | 10 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge D250 | 9 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge B250 | 4 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge D Series(light) | 4 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Dodge B350 | 3 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Dodge Colt
Does the 1989 Dodge Colt have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1989 Dodge Colt: buckle assembly (May 1995). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Dodge Colt?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (25), acceleration & cruise control (2), lights (2).
How many complaints has the 1989 Dodge Colt had?
33 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 21, 1995 and the latest on October 6, 2000. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Dodge Colt a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Colt year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Colt years have the most complaints?
1993 (113), 1989 (33), 1987 (28). See every Dodge Colt year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Dodge Colt has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data