1991 Plymouth Colt
Introduction:
The 1991 Plymouth Colt is a compact car popular for its fuel efficiency and affordable price. It offers a range of engine and transmission options, with its base engine being a 1.5L I4 producing 92 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 1.8L I4 with 110 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6L I4 with 132 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Owners appreciate the Colt’s affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of handling. However, common complaints include a lack of power, especially in the lower-powered engine options.
Engine
1.5L I4
- Head gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks coolant, overheating engine, white smoke from exhaust
- Solution: Replace head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing belt failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, ticking noise from engine
- Solution: Replace timing belt
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
1.8L I4
- Intake manifold gasket leak
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased engine performance
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350
- Recalls: None Found
1.6L Turbo I4
- Turbocharger failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, boost leaks
- Solution: Replace turbocharger
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-speed Automatic
- Transmission slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, loss of power
- Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
5-speed Manual
- Clutch failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, slipping clutch
- Solution: Replace clutch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
CVT
- Transmission shuddering
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shaking while driving
- Solution: Replace CVT fluid and/or CVT
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Control arm bushing wear
- Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, clunking noise
- Solution: Replace control arm bushings
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical issues
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise
- Solution: Replace starter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels
- Solution: Repair rust or replace panels
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies
- Recalls: None Found
- Door handle failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening doors
- Solution: Replace door handles
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard
- Solution: Cover or replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power window failure
- Description/Symptoms: Windows don’t roll up/down
- Solution: Replace window motors or switches
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 1991 Plymouth Colt has several common issues that can affect its reliability and performance. The most severe and costly issues include turbocharger failure, transmission slipping, and timing belt failure. While not as severe, issues like intake manifold gasket leaks, clutch failure, and rust can still be inconvenient and costly to fix. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and have them addressed promptly to maintain the vehicle’s reliability and safety.