1995 Dodge Colt

Introduction

The 1995 Dodge Colt is a compact car that was available in two- and four-door configurations. It was offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 82 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 113 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5-liter engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.8-liter engine could be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1995 Dodge Colt generally praise its fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

1.5-liter Four-Cylinder

• Premature Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt may fail prematurely, causing the engine to lose power and stall.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt and associated components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Carbon buildup on the intake valves can restrict airflow, causing the engine to run rough and lose power.
  • Solution: Clean the intake valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8-liter Four-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket may fail, causing coolant and oil to leak.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shifter Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The shifter bushings may wear out, causing the shifter to become loose and difficult to operate.
  • Solution: Replace the shifter bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A faulty solenoid can prevent the transmission from shifting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Struts Leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The front struts may leak fluid, causing the ride to become rough and unstable.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose electrical power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Wiring Harness Damage
  • Description/Symptoms: The electrical wiring harness may become damaged, causing electrical malfunctions throughout the vehicle.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the damaged wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Hinge Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The hood hinges may become loose or break, causing the hood to not open properly.
  • Solution: Replace the hood hinges.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors may fail, causing the windows to become inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1995 Dodge Colt is a generally reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most severe and expensive issue to watch out for is head gasket failure on the 1.8-liter engine. Other common problems include electrical wiring harness damage, alternator failure, and premature timing belt failure. Overall, the cost of these issues can range from minor to significant, depending on the severity and location of the problem.