The Mitsubishi SP spans 1985–1986 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1985, 1986 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1986, 1985. 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 SP is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1985 to 1986 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mitsubishi SP VIN — every digit explained
Every Mitsubishi SP 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 SP.
- 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 SP 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 SP have?
The Mitsubishi SP has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1986. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Mitsubishi SP
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 1985, 1986 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1986, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 SP | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1986 SP | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Mitsubishi SP problems?
The most-reported Mitsubishi SP problems are Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 1 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:
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
For while the engine check light had been coming on and off at dashboard, and consumer too vehicle for service. They told her that vehicle was fine, but currently engine broke down. *ak
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mitsubishi SP specifications & dimensions
The 1986 Mitsubishi SP. 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 SP cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the SP 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 SP 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 SP get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mitsubishi SP have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mitsubishi SP cost to own?
A Mitsubishi SP 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 SP 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 SP 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 SP safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the SP yet.
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How many miles does a Mitsubishi SP last?
A well-maintained Mitsubishi SP 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 SP’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Mitsubishi SP model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mitsubishi SP — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 SP | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 SP | 0 | — | — |
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 SP?
By owner-complaint volume, 1985, 1986 drew the most reports. 1986, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the SP have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1986. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a SP last?
A well-maintained SP typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the SP reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the SP is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mitsubishi SP 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 SP made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your SP'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 SP 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.