The most-reported Precis run is KPHLA32J3JU (1988 builds) with 1 complaints, 1× the typical run. Power train problems make up 31% of reports; NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for Precis model years 1988–1994.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mitsubishi Precis has 12 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 42% of every Precis complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPHLA32J3JU•••••• | 1988 | — | — | |
| KMHLD21J1JA•••••• | 1988 | — | — | |
| KPHLD11JXKU•••••• | 1989 | — | — | |
| KPHLD21J7KU•••••• | 1989 | 1 | — | |
| KTHCD11J7KU•••••• | 1989 | — | 1 | |
| KPALD21J1KU•••••• | 1989 | — | — | |
| KPHVD12J6LU•••••• | 1990 | — | — | |
| KPHVD12J4MU•••••• | 1991 | — | — | |
| KPHVD12J0MU•••••• | 1991 | — | — | |
| KPHVD12J8NU•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| KPHVD1259P0•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| KPHV012J2PU•••••• | 1993 | — | — |
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 1989 at 1 complaints per run; lightest is 1989 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 31% of everything Mitsubishi Precis owners report: Power Train, 4 of 12 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Visibility | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Seats | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Gasoline | — | — | |
| Wheels | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 5 recall campaigns on the Mitsubishi Precis; the 5 below cover build years 1988 to 1994. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 94V080000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1990–1994 |
| 91V225000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System | 1988–1989 |
| 95V059000 | Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core | 1988–1989 |
| 94V103001 | Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core | 1988–1989 |
| 90V053000 | Wheels:hubcap/cover | 1990 |
94V080000 was opened in 1994 on cars built from 1990: 4 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 12 reports on the Mitsubishi Precis, 8.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Mitsubishi Precis | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 12 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 1 (8.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (8.3%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 43% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mitsubishi Precis share of that is 12 complaints over 12 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mitsubishi Precis VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 12 NHTSA complaints from 12 Precis runs and 5 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Precis production run has the most complaints?
KPHLA32J3JU, a 1988 build, with 1 complaints. The typical Precis run has 1.
How many Precis complaints involve a crash?
8.3% of 12 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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