VehicleVerdict

1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other 3000GT years?

3000GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted135 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 75 complaints1992: 135 complaints1993: 77 complaints1994: 84 complaints1995: 62 complaints1996: 26 complaints1997: 42 complaints1998: 19 complaints1999: 13 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints
3000GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3000GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1246%
Seat Belts1038%
Speed Control28%
Body & Structure14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V143001TransmissionMay 14, 2002 · 15,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.

Consequence

LOW OIL LEVELS IN THE TRANSFER CASE COULD CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE AND RESULT IN DRIVE TRAIN LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE FOR INDICATIONS OF OIL LEAKAGE OR DAMAGE. VEHICLES THAT HAVE OIL LEAKAGE WILL HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE RESEALED AND RE-FILL THE TRANSFER CASE TO THE PROPER LEVEL, OR REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AMERICA AT 1-888-648-7820 OR MITSUBMISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRANSFER CASE SEIZED UP DUE TO LEAK N TRANSFERCASE. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO UPHOLD RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. DURING SEIZE UP CSR LOSTCONTROL AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL ON I-25 LUCKLY NO ONE WAS INJUERD BUT I STILL HOLD MITSUBISHI AND DEALERS RESPONSIBLE. THEY STILL HAVE YET TO CONTACT MY LAWYER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 2, 2004

“I HAVE A 96 MITSUBISHI 3000GT AND MY FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AFTER BEING PUT ON OR TAKEN OFF. IF I WERE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THEY WOULD DO VERY LITTLE TO PROTECT ME. I TRIED TO SEE IF MITSUBISHI WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. JUST FIGURED I WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 30, 2007

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“DRIVER EXPERIENCES SEVERE VEHICLE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MPH, INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER SAID FRAME WAS BENT WHICH CAUSES SEVERE VIBRATIONS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 3, 1996

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 28, 2003

1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT — common questions

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1996 3000GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi 3000GT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 3000GT years to avoid are 1992, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1995, 1997. The cleanest record among 3000GT years belongs to 1990.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.