Skip to content
CA · Sedan

1988 Dodge Colt

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1988 Dodge Colt.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1988 Dodge Colt

Recall·95V103003

Seat belts: buckle assembly

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 27 owners reported

Seat belts22
Power train2
Tires1
Fuel system1

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1988 Dodge Colt at a glance

Trims
ColtColt Vista
Engine
1.5L 4-Cylinder, 1.6L 4-Cylinder, 2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 3-spd, Manual 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

Other Dodge Colt years

Free Car Finder

Still deciding on the 1988 Dodge Colt?

Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.

Find my car
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1988 Dodge Colt?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1988 Dodge Colt with NHTSA, most often about the seat belts. There is 1 recall campaign covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1988 Dodge Colt reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 1 open recall campaign on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1988 Dodge Colt?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1988 Dodge Colt listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.