The Mitsubishi Sigma spans 1989–1990 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1990, 1989 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1989, 1990. 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 Sigma is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1989 to 1990 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mitsubishi Sigma VIN — every digit explained
Every Mitsubishi Sigma 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 Sigma.
- 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 Sigma 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 Sigma have?
The Mitsubishi Sigma has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–1990. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1990 Mitsubishi Sigma recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
1989 Mitsubishi Sigma recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Best and worst years for the Mitsubishi Sigma
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 1990, 1989 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1989, 1990.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Sigma | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1990 Sigma | Seat Belts | Avoid |
What are the most common Mitsubishi Sigma problems?
The most-reported Mitsubishi Sigma problems are Seat Belts (2 reports), Power Train (1 reports) and Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 3 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:
Seat Belts 2 Read
Timing belt. Serpentine belt. Seat belts.
The plastic latch broke and fell into seat belt holder and seat belt will no longer latch. *ak
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
Timing belt. Serpentine belt. Seat belts.
Power Train 1 Read
While driving vehicle at various speeds, transmission would lock up; lost control of vehicle 1st time; had mechanic fix problem; problem reappeared going off exit ramp 25mph. At transmission shop, could not find problem.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mitsubishi Sigma specifications & dimensions
The 1990 Mitsubishi Sigma. 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 Sigma cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Sigma 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 Sigma 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 Sigma get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mitsubishi Sigma have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mitsubishi Sigma cost to own?
A Mitsubishi Sigma 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 Sigma 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 Sigma 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 Sigma safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Sigma yet.
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How many miles does a Mitsubishi Sigma last?
A well-maintained Mitsubishi Sigma 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 4.5/5.
Decode your Mitsubishi Sigma’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Mitsubishi Sigma model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mitsubishi Sigma — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Sigma | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1989 Sigma | 1 recall | — | — |
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 Sigma?
By owner-complaint volume, 1990, 1989 drew the most reports. 1989, 1990 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Sigma have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–1990. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Sigma last?
A well-maintained Sigma typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Sigma reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Sigma is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mitsubishi Sigma 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 Sigma made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Sigma'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 Sigma 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.