Model year guide

1989 Plymouth COLT

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Plymouth COLT is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1989 Plymouth COLT — representative photo
Representative photo

1989 Plymouth COLT at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints13
Combined23–30 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1989 Plymouth COLT recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1989 Plymouth COLT.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1989 Plymouth COLT common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

1989 Plymouth COLT MPG & running costs

Combined23–30 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,700
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1989 Plymouth COLT costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,500
Fuel only$13,500
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING TWO RECALLS TO REMEDY AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURES. 1993 EAGLE SUMMIT AND PLYMOUTH AND DODGE COLT TWO-DOOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1992 AND JUNE 1993 WILL RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT GUIDE RAIL. THE METAL GUIDE RAIL HOUSES A CABLE THAT MOVES THE BLET CARRIER BACK AND FORTH ALONG A GROOVE (OR TRACK) IN THE GUIDE RAIL WHEN THE CAR DOOR IS OPENED AND CLOSED. MIT…

NHTSA #EA96014 · Seat Belts · opened Jun 1996 · closed Jun 1997

AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE Closed

THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED BASED ON THE LARGE NUMBER OD COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS REPORTED BY CHRYSLER. THIS REPORTS CONTAIN THE SAME FAILURE MODES AS THOSE RECEIVED BY ODI. COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE CABLE THAT MOVES THE BELT CARRIER ALONG THE GUIDE RAIL BROKE AND/OR POPPED OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE BELT CARRIER MOVES WHILE DRIVING, THE BELT CARRIER GETS STUCK ON THE GUIDE RAIL, THE BELT OVER TIGHTENS,…

NHTSA #PE96007 · Seat Belts · opened Jan 1996 · closed Jun 1996

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 3

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 2300800B · Seats · Nov 2000

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 230800 · Seats · Mar 2000

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

Bulletin 233599 · Seats · Sep 1999

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COLT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1989 Plymouth COLT vehicles on record

1989 Plymouth COLT 1989 Plymouth COLTJP3CU34X1KU084528

Other Plymouth COLT model years

1993

1989 Plymouth COLT — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 Plymouth COLT have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1989 Plymouth COLT. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Plymouth COLT?

Across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, engine and engine cooling, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1989 Plymouth COLT get?

The 1989 Plymouth COLT has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.