Mitsubishi 3000GT — Recalls, Reliability, Specs & VIN Decoder

Tl* - sometime in december of 2002 while driving on a low grade hill on a rainy day the 1992 mitsubishi 3000 gt transfer case seized at 40-50 mph, resulting in all 4-wheels locking up, causing the vehicle to crash into a light pole. After the crash the clutch, hood, radiator, front crash bar, windshield and air bag were replaced. On october of 2006 while driving the vehicle the wheels locked again. After shifting the vehicle into reverse and 1 st gear several times the tires unlocked, and the contact was able to push it into driveway. The contact stated that this vehicle should be covered under nhtsa campaign 02v143001, but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle did not fall under the recall. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mitsubishi 3000gt vr4 model. While driving 35 mph, the wheels locked and the vehicle slid to a stop as if it had been rear ended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the recall repair for nhtsa campaign id number 02v143001 (power train:transfer case (4wheel drive)) had previously been performed at 50,000 miles. They further stated that they were not obligated to perform the recall repair again. The contact felt as if he had whiplash in his neck and back, but he has not yet seen a doctor. The current and failure mileages were 93,000.

At 85mph the whole car locked up due to seized diffrential case - car spun out of control and off of the highway with out warning. This is the second time this car has had sudden powertrain failure resulting in loss of control - while on the highway with the cruise control set.

Dt: the contact complained about transmission problems. The previous owner had the transmission rebuilt on october 4, 2003. Later, the transmission was again rebuilt. The contact was having problems again with the transmission when the vehicle was totaled in an accident. *ak

Park, in automatic transmission failed. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mitsubishi 3000gt. The contact stated that the powertrain was leaking fluid through the casket. He referenced recall 02v143001 (power train transfer case (4- wheel drive) for which the repairs had been performed when the vehicle was in the possession of the a previous owner. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership where he was informed that the failure had occurred again. On another day, the vehicle caught fire because of a short in the suspension module. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The current mileage was approximately 146.000.

1992 mitsubishi 3000gt vr-4 , transfer case seized during operation @ 30mph , resulting in all 4 wheels locking up.*ak

While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. *ak transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. Front rotors resurfaced. *tt *nm

Reverse routinely grinds due to poor syncro design. *ak

While driving the vehicle's wheels locked up which caused the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. *nm the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the transmission malfunctioned. Prior to this incident the consumer had the vehicle's transfer case checked because of a recall. The consumer feels that the dealer did not conduct a thorough inspection. The consumer request reimbursement for the cost of a new transmission. *nm

Seat belt do not retract. Both driver and seat belt do not work. *nm

I have a 1999 mistubsihi 3000gt vr4 and the seat belt tension springs do not retract or lock-up like i beleive they should. My car has done this since purchased in 2003, and i've had an incedent where the lock should have engaged when hard breaking, but the belt did not. Also, when i exit the vehicle i need to feed the belt back into the slot because the spring is too weak to pull it in like every other car i've owned. Many other 3000gt owners have reported similar problems with belt springs failing in car clubs for the 3000gt. Please address this safety hazard with mitsubishi.*ak

I purchased my 99 mitsubishi 3000gt used and it's seat belt has rarely worked. I sold my 94 mitsubishi 3000gt which has the same exact problem. While driving the belt always becomes slack and doesn't retract. *jb

Seat belts in my '99 mitsubishi 3000gt fail to retract and tighten themselves automatically. This slack in my seat belts lead me to believe they wouldn't be effective in the case of an accident. I know many 3000gt owners which have the same issue. *nm

Seat belts do not retract back into holders and remain loose. Do not tighten automatically. *nm

I drive a 1999 mitsubishi 3000gt sl. The seat belts in this car do not retract correctly, they actually allow for too much slack and most of the time i have to manually draw the slack back into the mechanism. I feel this lack of function of my seat belts puts me and my passengers in danger...i complained about this issue from day 1 to my dealer and was told that there was nothing wrong with the seat belts and that they would eventually break in. Oh, they're broken in alright...busted is more like it. No parts have been replaced or repaired as of yet and i would really like for this problem to be addressed. I have tired of messing with my seat belt, and since i am going to be getting married i fear for my fiancee. She actually likes the car quite a bit, but she doesn't wear the seat belt because she says it is irrelevant to do so since they do not function correctly. I plan on having a family in the near future and this is the reason why i am now complaining about this issue. I will be getting married this december of 06 and hope to have this solved by then. Thank you, robert capetillo. *jb

My mitsubishi 1999 3000gt vr4's seat belts don't retract all the time. It leaves them loose. *jb

Both seatbelts in the front of my 1998 mitsubishi 3000gt vr4 do not retract when there is slack in them. *tr

Seat belts in my 1998 mitsubishi 3000gt sl do not work properly. When pulled on to lock into receiver they do not retract thus leaving slack which can cause passenger to go forward causing serious injury. *nm

Mitsubishi 3000gt's seat belt do not retract after pulled on. If an accident occurred seat belts would not serve as a form of protection as they should. Many other people with same make and model of vehicle have the same problem. *jb

Bought car with 46,000 miles and all 4 rims had the chrome peeling off. The chrome peeling was extremely bad from the back of the rim but the front shows major signs of peeling. I cut my fingers/hand multiple times changing the tire. *la

Dt: the contact's vehicle crashed. The rear passenger wheel split in two places. The driver lost control and over corrected. The vehicle proceeded into a fence and was totaled. A police report was taken , and insurance report is on file. *ak

While driving 80 mph, without warning the rear wheels locked up. This caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The consumer stated that,"the vehicle spun around three times before landing into a ditch." the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership. Please provide any further details. *jb

Severe tick in engine even after dealer changed all lifters. Chrome 17" factory rims break seal on tires resulting in numerous flat tires. *nm

I am the second owner of this vehicle.the first owner had the rims replaced with factory replacement chrome rims 15,000 miles ago.he said had experienced"unexplainble flat tires" a few times before he replaced the rims.i have had this car for 8 months and have had 4 flat tires,two of which totally destroyed the tires.both of those blew out on the side walls.2 of them were "unexplainable"there was no sharp objects in the tire,no cuts,no phyisical damage that would explain how they went flat.they just went flat after the first 2 blow outs i changed tire brand thinking it was the tires,but it has happened twice more since then.this has now cost me 4 tires.*ak

Plating on the wheels is peeling causing a slow air leak on all four tires. This is the second set that has exhibited this problem. The orginal set was replaced under warranty.

The seal between the tire and the wheel loosens which appears to be caused by the reaction between the chrome and alloy of the wheel resulting in corrosion.

1997 mitsubishi gt 3000 - defective chrome wheels flake, peel and wear inside so that a seal cannot be maintained. Constantly, inflate tires where of a horrific safety hazard. Stranded with flats. Expensive chrome wheels came standard with this vehicle. Mitsubishi has so far elected to replace only one of 4 wheels that have severe wear and affect reliability and drivable of the car. *la

Air leaking occurs in 2 tires. Mits service department checked tires & stated they are fine. They stated the problem is air leaking around the 2 rims and that seals are breaking, possibly due to wheel corrosion. The problem is worsening. This is the 2nd set of wheels. Mitsubishi replaced all 4 wheels once before for the same problem--at that time, air leaked out of all 4 tires. Mitsubishi states they will not replace this set of wheels due to vehicle age and probably no investigation although at least 9 consumer complaints on nhtsa website are logged on the same make/model. Not sure why anyone should expect it's acceptable to need a 3rd set of rims for a 6-year-old car. Coincidence?

The chrome wheel rims on my car are corroding on the inside. The tires leak air because the rims do not seal properly. This causes the tire to become flat. I brought the vehicle to a tire dealer, and was told there was a definite defect in the wheels and the manufacturer shouild replace all four wheels,. Due to the nature of the wheels this will eventually happen to the wheel rims, again.*ak

While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. *ak transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. Front rotors resurfaced. *tt *nm

Rotors/brake pads designed for the vehicle do not hold up to normal driving conditions rotors get too hot and warp causing excessive shaking of the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. *ak

Vehicle is pulling to either right or left when braking. Dealer replaced both front calipers/ master cylinder/ brake lines and brake valves. *ak the dealer asked the consumer to turn in the vehicle for buy back, but the factory representative said that the fault could be repaired and was returned to the consumer. The consumer says the vehicle was lemon and the numerous problems still exist. *yh

Consumer picked up t car with 12,000 miles, and slight shimmy, took to dealer, and found nothing wrong. Then, dealer replaced brakes 17 times since owner has had the car. In order to stop had to press brake pedal to floor, and then it shakes very badly. *ak

This car (not my first of this make and model) has been in the shop constantly. The dealers have been told that mitsu refuses to pay for warranty repairs and that dealers must pay out of pocket. Therefore, customers are not receiving the level of service that is safe. For example - my transmission fluid was changed but not the filter! Conflicting reports on poor brake pads led to my replacing them out of pocket. $800 worth of new tires due to consistent failure of oe wheels (rusting in a matter of weeks). Noisy engine with inconsistent performance - not found in previous editions of car. I believe they stripped the safety and quality out of the 97 models to increase profit on a poorly selling model. Many mitsu owners in daytona want class action suits against this dealer, also, for unsafe levels of service. An investigation might be prudent. I am a systems engineer and human factors specialist (aircraft safety background and automotive background - ms degree. Please take this seriously - jd powers sent me to you. *ak

Rotors are warped ; problem stems from either defective rotor or defective caliper not releasing piston ; i am still investigating and attempting to pinpoint exact cause. Vehicle has less than 40k miles. Severe shimming of steering wheel could cause loss of control of car at highway speed!!!!*ak

Brakes have to be changed frequently for accessive wear,even if rotors have been turned. Contacted dealer.*ak

Brake rotors have warped approximately 6 to 7 times over last 40,000 miles, causing a vibration in vehicle. Dealership cannot determine a cause for continued warping of rotors. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

While driving vehicle the brake rotors shaked, the dealer turned the rotors, but the rotors still shake. *ak

Rotors: have to change rotors every 3-4 thousand miles. Front/rear rotors are warped, causing vehicle to shimmy. *ak

While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. *ak transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. Front rotors resurfaced. *tt *nm

Rotors/brake pads designed for the vehicle do not hold up to normal driving conditions rotors get too hot and warp causing excessive shaking of the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. *ak

Vehicle is pulling to either right or left when braking. Dealer replaced both front calipers/ master cylinder/ brake lines and brake valves. *ak the dealer asked the consumer to turn in the vehicle for buy back, but the factory representative said that the fault could be repaired and was returned to the consumer. The consumer says the vehicle was lemon and the numerous problems still exist. *yh

Consumer picked up t car with 12,000 miles, and slight shimmy, took to dealer, and found nothing wrong. Then, dealer replaced brakes 17 times since owner has had the car. In order to stop had to press brake pedal to floor, and then it shakes very badly. *ak

This car (not my first of this make and model) has been in the shop constantly. The dealers have been told that mitsu refuses to pay for warranty repairs and that dealers must pay out of pocket. Therefore, customers are not receiving the level of service that is safe. For example - my transmission fluid was changed but not the filter! Conflicting reports on poor brake pads led to my replacing them out of pocket. $800 worth of new tires due to consistent failure of oe wheels (rusting in a matter of weeks). Noisy engine with inconsistent performance - not found in previous editions of car. I believe they stripped the safety and quality out of the 97 models to increase profit on a poorly selling model. Many mitsu owners in daytona want class action suits against this dealer, also, for unsafe levels of service. An investigation might be prudent. I am a systems engineer and human factors specialist (aircraft safety background and automotive background - ms degree. Please take this seriously - jd powers sent me to you. *ak

Rotors are warped ; problem stems from either defective rotor or defective caliper not releasing piston ; i am still investigating and attempting to pinpoint exact cause. Vehicle has less than 40k miles. Severe shimming of steering wheel could cause loss of control of car at highway speed!!!!*ak

Brakes have to be changed frequently for accessive wear,even if rotors have been turned. Contacted dealer.*ak

Brake rotors have warped approximately 6 to 7 times over last 40,000 miles, causing a vibration in vehicle. Dealership cannot determine a cause for continued warping of rotors. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

While driving vehicle the brake rotors shaked, the dealer turned the rotors, but the rotors still shake. *ak

Rotors: have to change rotors every 3-4 thousand miles. Front/rear rotors are warped, causing vehicle to shimmy. *ak

Severe tick in engine even after dealer changed all lifters. Chrome 17" factory rims break seal on tires resulting in numerous flat tires. *nm

My car is well kept and garaged at night. In november 2012, i was having trouble with the car and was told by my mechanic of 20 years that my "total front end" on the car needed replaced. This required the replacement of gaskets, an oal flex, rack & pinion, and a wheel alignment. It was a very expensive job with the explanation given that it was "worn out." now, the steering is a problem with strange sounds and the periodic movement of the steering wheel when driving. An inspection of that disclosed that now, the "intermediate shaft on the steering wheel" needs replaced. After researching the internet, i am finding out that there have been several cars recalled for this problem and would like to know if that is the case for this car. I have not received any notices for this. I love my car but am wondering why such an expensive car (at the time of purchase) is having all of these problems now. I was even told that the suspension will be another future problem because they manufacturer purposely sealed them when they were made which makes them impossible to service and will require replacement. This was never told to me when i purchased it. Please advise if i have any recourse with the manufacturer for these repairs. Thank you. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mitsubishi 3000gt. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. Upon further investigation, he determined that the oil transfer case was failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for further inspection. The dealer refused to inspect the vehicle and stated that it had previously been repaired under recall for the oil transfer case. The contact was informed that he would be responsible for any additional expenses. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for further inspection. The contact feels that the part that was replaced during the recall repair was defective and needs to be replaced again. The vehicle has not been repaired. The nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 105,400.

Engine transfer case is leaking approximately enough amount to empty the engine in 3 weeks. There was a recall that was never done by previous owners. Requesting a claim for a recall that was closed in 2002. I discovered the recall and the failed parts after i purchased it from a private sell 04/21/11. Failed transfer case still exists on this vehicle. My safety concerns due to a failed transfer case are as follows: hot running engine, poor performance, difficult shifting, faulty sensors, poor mileage, environmental safety, etc. *tr

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Water pump was leaking, which damaged the timing belt and valves, consumer feels that this a manufacturing defect. *slc

When driving vehicle, for no apparent reason, vehicle suddenly would accelerate, tried applying the brakes, to no avail, brakes would not slow/stop vehicle, would double in speed*ak

Consumer's vehicle experienced transmission failure. *la the engine failed due to timing belt failure and the sunroof leaked. There was a recall regarding the transmission, the consumer requested reimbursement, however he was denied because receipts could not be produced. (recall #02v143001)*jb

Defect if the autolash adjusters wear so quickly. It seems to me that if engine power is affected, then emissions must also be affected. This is an ongoing problem will all mitsubishi 3000 gt vr4's and the dealers write it off as a characteristic of the car, but it is a defect that is causing harm to the environment.

Information request regarding transmissions wearing prematurely/breaking on 1991-1993 mitsubishi 3000 gt and dodge stealth. *mr also in reference to the mitsubishi 3000gt vr4. The output shaft of the transmission wore prematurely. Recall#02v143001. Although the output shaft goes into the transfer case, it was not included in the recall unless the transfer case locked up and the shaft became damaged. The consumer found that the transmission had been changed a few years prior. Common problem with this vehicle. *sc the consumer also had an exhaust pipe installed on the vehicle *jb

Floor mat is supposed to be anchored with locking clip to keep from traveling; clip is not installed, caused sudden acceleration; car hit guard rail/embankment.

While pulling out of car wash consumer put vehicle in gear, and vehicle suddenly accelerated, went down a 6 feet drop off, and came to a stop at a barrier fence. Vehicle was totalled, damage $ 20000.00. There were witnesses to this accident. *ak the vehicle was returned to the insurance and was sold at auto auction. *yh

The consumer noticed while traveling 50-55 mph when depressing the gas pedal to gain speed, the pedal became stuck which resulted in a crash. *jb

While looking for an opportunity to pass another car, the accelerator pedal got stuck and the car's speed was increasing rapidly. While there was no opportunity to pass (another car coming from opposite direction), the driver had to swerve quickly back to own lane while the car?s accelerator pedal was still stuck. The driver was trying to apply brakes without success of releasing the accelerator pedal. The driver lost control of the vehicle and the car spun to a left side ditch facing the opposite direction and hitting a traffic sign. The accelerator pedal did not disengage until the ignition was turned off. The car was totaled. No personal injuries. *tr

While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. *ak transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. Front rotors resurfaced. *tt *nm

When using the power button to pass another vehicle, accelerator pedal stuck to the floor and the car accelerated to (90) mph . Shutting the power button off or stepping on the brake, did not disengage the pedal. *ak

5 speed manual transmission failure, sudden acceleration when shifting gears. Tt

Throttle body failed.

When driving vehicle, for no apparent reason, vehicle suddenly would accelerate, tried applying the brakes, to no avail, brakes would not slow/stop vehicle, would double in speed*ak

Cruise control will not disengage while driving at highway speed of 65 mph, will not respond to on/off switch or brake pedal. Manufacturer was not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

Driving at 45 mph, steering wheel jerked abruptly to the left and took car into opposing lane of traffic. Tried to correct and the rear end fishtailed, spun the car 180 degrees, and went off the side of road (10 to 12ft. Embankment) flipped over and landed on it's top. Minor injuries to the two paseengers considering the severity of the damage to the car.*ak

While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. *ak transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. Front rotors resurfaced. *tt *nm

Front suspension failure has caused front wheel and tire damage. These are low profile tires and the wheels are a two-piece design (the center spokes are welded to the rim). This leaves the rim area not fully supported and therefore weak.*ak( dot number: tire size: 245/45zr18 )

My car is well kept and garaged at night. In november 2012, i was having trouble with the car and was told by my mechanic of 20 years that my "total front end" on the car needed replaced. This required the replacement of gaskets, an oal flex, rack & pinion, and a wheel alignment. It was a very expensive job with the explanation given that it was "worn out." now, the steering is a problem with strange sounds and the periodic movement of the steering wheel when driving. An inspection of that disclosed that now, the "intermediate shaft on the steering wheel" needs replaced. After researching the internet, i am finding out that there have been several cars recalled for this problem and would like to know if that is the case for this car. I have not received any notices for this. I love my car but am wondering why such an expensive car (at the time of purchase) is having all of these problems now. I was even told that the suspension will be another future problem because they manufacturer purposely sealed them when they were made which makes them impossible to service and will require replacement. This was never told to me when i purchased it. Please advise if i have any recourse with the manufacturer for these repairs. Thank you. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mitsubishi 300 gt. The contact stated that the passenger side front tire separated from the vehicle while he was driving approximately 45 mph. The vehicle was towed to his residence where he noticed that the subframe connected to lower control arm broke which caused the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 218,442.

While drinving 5mph the left fron suspension came apart causing the wheel to jam up under the car, due to missing left front contro arm bolt, assuming nut came loose and caused the bolt to fall out or broke off and fell out.

The nut came loose from the front control arm bolt causing the left front supension to come apart and the wheel to jump under the car.

Left front suspension came apart sue to a missing bolt, causing wheel to jam under fender.

Front end suspension came apart due to missing left front, front control arm bolt, causing the wheel to jam up under vehicle.