The Mitsubishi Precis spans 1988–1994 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1991, 1990, 1989 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1994, 1992, 1993. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Mitsubishi Precis is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1988 to 1994 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mitsubishi Precis VIN — every digit explained
Every Mitsubishi Precis carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mitsubishi and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Precis.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your Precis VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Precis have?
The Mitsubishi Precis has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1988–1994. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1994 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The vehicles failed the lateral moving barrier impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel leakage from the gas tank exceeded the maximum allowable amount of spillage.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Mitsubishi has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1993 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The vehicles failed the lateral moving barrier impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel leakage from the gas tank exceeded the maximum allowable amount of spillage.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Mitsubishi has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1992 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The vehicles failed the lateral moving barrier impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel leakage from the gas tank exceeded the maximum allowable amount of spillage.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Mitsubishi has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1991 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The vehicles failed the lateral moving barrier impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel leakage from the gas tank exceeded the maximum allowable amount of spillage.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Mitsubishi has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1990 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 2
Wheels:hubcap/cover
What's wrong. Lock washer located under the nut that secures the front hub to the drive shaft may have had improper heat treatment and could crack.
Risk. This could cause wheel bearing freeplay and could result in bearing damage, and possible loss of vehicle control through wheel failure.
Fix. Replace lock washer on each front wheel and repair area around lock washer as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The vehicles failed the lateral moving barrier impact test requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel leakage from the gas tank exceeded the maximum allowable amount of spillage.
Risk. In the event of an accident, the fuel spillage can result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. Mitsubishi has developed an appropriate countermeasure that will comply with all requirements of fmvss 301.
1989 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 3
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. The heater control valve stem does not meet the material specifications. High coolant temperatures can cause the stem to leak.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace defective valve stems.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. Vehicles involved are those that had the heater valve stems replaced in an earlier mitsubishi recall (94v-103.001). Certain vehicles had an incorrect valve stem installed which could cause the incorrect stem to leak after a period of time.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace incorrect valve stems.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
1988 Mitsubishi Precis recalls 3
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. The heater control valve stem does not meet the material specifications. High coolant temperatures can cause the stem to leak.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace defective valve stems.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core
What's wrong. Vehicles involved are those that had the heater valve stems replaced in an earlier mitsubishi recall (94v-103.001). Certain vehicles had an incorrect valve stem installed which could cause the incorrect stem to leak after a period of time.
Risk. This can result in a burn injury to the front seat passenger's feet and legs.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace incorrect valve stems.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
What's wrong. Deterioration of the reed valve subassembly may lead to a malfunction within the secondary air supply portion of the emission control system. The screws which attach the reeds to the reed valve subassembly may rust, and if the rusting becomes severe, the screw heads will erode and allow the reeds to separate from the reed valve subassembly. Corrosion may also occur on the reed valve subassembly, deforming the reed seats and preventing the reeds from closing properly. Separation of the reeds from the reed valve subassembly or improper closing of the reeds allow hot exhaust gases to flow backward into the plastic secondary air filter case when the vehicle is being driven. These hot exhaust gases may melt the secondary plastic air filter case.
Risk. The melting plastic air filter case may lead to a firein the engine compartment.
Fix. Replace the reed valve subassembly with one whose metal components are fabricated from corrosion resistant stainless steel.
Best and worst years for the Mitsubishi Precis
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 1991, 1990, 1989 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1994, 1992, 1993.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Precis | Visibility | Average | |
| 1989 Precis | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1990 Precis | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1991 Precis | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1992 Precis | Power Train | Best | |
| 1993 Precis | Suspension | Best | |
| 1994 Precis | — | Best |
What are the most common Mitsubishi Precis problems?
The most-reported Mitsubishi Precis problems are Seats (3 reports), Tires (1 reports) and Wheels (1 reports) — out of 37 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Power Train 12 Read
Vehicle is making a flapping noise underneath. It was taken to two transmission specialists and one garage and was advised that the transmission needs to be replaced or rebuilt. There is most likely parts wearing inside the transmission so i am having it worked on by atech transmission specialists, east aurora, new york on 10/21/99. I consider my vehicle to be of low mileage for the vehicle needing the transmission replaced.
Replacement transmission slips gears, also transmission fluid burned .
Burnt clutch. *skd
Wheel bearings failed.
Clutch failed.
Cv joints failed.
Universal joint noisy.
Front axles failed.
Transmission bearing failed, causing transmission to grind. *ak
Clutch failed twice. *ak
Visibility 5 Read
Heater core valve stems failed, resulting in a fire prior to/after recall repairs (95v-059). *ak
Passenger side back window keeps exploding-for no reason-afraid someone will be hurt. Tt
Rear window defroster failed.
Tried to get recall remedied and the dealership says it did not exist and they will not set up an appointment for him even though he has a letter. *ak
Heater core recall repairs refused due to unavailability of parts. (94v-103001) *aw
Engine And Engine Cooling 4 Read
Consumer was driving down highway car caught on fire it was reed switch . Tt
Transmission system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to hesitate and become noisy, which may have resulted in a crash. Dealer had replaced engine. But problem still exists. *ak vehicle makes a ticking noise while being driven, vehicle is sluggish. Steering wheel shimmies, 3 out of 4 tires have gone flat. Vehicle at times would not move forward or would lurch forward. *slc
Timing belt failed.
Engine failed due to leaking engine seals. *skd
Electrical System 4 Read
Short in electrical system.
Ignition switch failed.
Alternator failed, also vehicle continues to experience electrical problems, causing vehicle to stall or not start.
Battery failed 5 times, preventing vehicle from starting. *skd
Suspension 3 Read
Transmission system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to hesitate and become noisy, which may have resulted in a crash. Dealer had replaced engine. But problem still exists. *ak vehicle makes a ticking noise while being driven, vehicle is sluggish. Steering wheel shimmies, 3 out of 4 tires have gone flat. Vehicle at times would not move forward or would lurch forward. *slc
Front end pulls to left due to misalignment.
Purchase car new the front end was realigned ten times,all four tires were replaced two times. Tt
Fuel System 3 Read
Gas tank door failed.
Fuel regulator sensor failed.
Fuel injection failure. *skd
Gasoline 3 Read
Gas tank door failed.
Fuel regulator sensor failed.
Fuel injection failure. *skd
Seats 3 Read
Consumer was driving approximately 5mph or less when rear ended by another vehicle at 45mph or more, upon impact, driver's seatback rest broke and driver was ejected from seat into rear of car. *ak *ml
Passenger seat broke.
Front seats collapsed during rear end collision, attorney for client. *skd
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mitsubishi Precis specifications & dimensions
The 1994 Mitsubishi Precis. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mitsubishi Precis cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Precis holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mitsubishi Precis tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Precis get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mitsubishi Precis have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mitsubishi Precis cost to own?
A Mitsubishi Precis depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Precis loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Precis ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Mitsubishi Precis safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Precis yet.
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How many miles does a Mitsubishi Precis last?
A well-maintained Mitsubishi Precis typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Decode your Mitsubishi Precis’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Mitsubishi Precis model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mitsubishi Precis — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Precis | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1993 Precis | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1992 Precis | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1991 Precis | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1990 Precis | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1989 Precis | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 Precis | 3 recalls | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Precis?
By owner-complaint volume, 1991, 1990, 1989 drew the most reports. 1994, 1992, 1993 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Precis have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1988–1994. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Precis last?
A well-maintained Precis typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Precis reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Precis is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mitsubishi Precis warranty?
New Mitsubishi models carry a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mitsubishi dealer.
Where is the Mitsubishi Precis made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Precis's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mitsubishi may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Precis have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.