VehicleVerdict

1992 Mitsubishi Expo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Expo year — the 1992 model ranks #1 of 6 Expo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 49% of all reports (22 of 45), far ahead of transmission at 6.

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Expo years?

Expo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted45 complaints1992: 45 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 18 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints
Expo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Expo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mitsubishi Expo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2249%
Transmission613%
Body & Structure613%
Brakes37%
Latches & Locks24%
Engine24%
Seats24%
Speed Control12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1992 Mitsubishi Expo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V168000TransmissionJuly 22, 1998 · 9,560 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.

97V063001Latches & LocksApril 18, 1997 · 38,948 units

Defect

EXCESS LUBRICATION CAN CAUSE THE RUBBER DOOR LATCH SWITCH COVER TO DEFORM, AND THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION, SO THAT THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE WOULD REMAIN AT THE A-PILLAR WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FRONT DRIVER SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SEATBELT WILL NOT WORK. THE MOTOR IS OUT AND THE SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. THE CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICED FOR THE "SEAT BELT LATCH SWITCH RECALL" WHICH WAS ISSUED IN 1998 (SERVICED FEB. 1999). AFTER RECALL FIX IS WHEN THIS SYSTEM COMPLETELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 19, 2002

“THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED SINCE 1992 WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED. IN BOTH CASES WE WERE TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. NEITHER WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND DUE TO THIS BEING A REAR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE WE WERE NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 27, 2002

“RECALL 97V063001, THE DOOR SWITCH LATCH WHICH CAUSES THE SHOULDER BELT TO BE INOPERTIVE. CONTACTED THE DEALER IN DEC, 98, STILL TO DATE, NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.CANNOT REPAIR THE RECALL. DEALER LOCATION DOBBS MITSUBISHI, 6400 WINDCHESTER ROAD MEMPHIS, TN, 9017954500. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 1, 1998

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY ON A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE, WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD ON TO DRIVER. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 18, 1995 · crash

“DRIVER'S SEAT SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN FORWARD POSITION, THERE IS A RECALL BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED.*AK RECALL CAMPAIGN 97V063000, DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE RECALL COMPONENT. *TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · February 1, 2002

1992 Mitsubishi Expo — common questions

Is the 1992 Mitsubishi Expo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 1992 model at #1 of 6 Expo years. It is one of the Expo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Expo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (22 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mitsubishi Expo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Mitsubishi Expo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Mitsubishi Expo under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Mitsubishi Expo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Expo years to avoid are 1992. The cleanest record among Expo years belongs to 2003.

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.