VehicleVerdict

1987 Mitsubishi Precis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1987 Mitsubishi Precis — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Precis years?

Precis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted6 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 3 complaints1989: 6 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 3 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 6 complaints1994: 0 complaints
Precis NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Precis years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Mitsubishi Precis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1100%

Does the 1987 Mitsubishi Precis have recalls?

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

91V225000EngineDecember 31, 1991 · 895,000 units

Defect

DETERIORATION OF THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY PORTION OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE REEDS TO THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY RUST, AND IF THE RUSTING BECOMES SEVERE, THE SCREW HEADS WILL ERODE AND ALLOW THE REEDS TO SEPARATE FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY. CORROSION MAY ALSO OCCUR ON THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY, DEFORMING THE REED SEATS AND PREVENTING THE REEDS FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. SEPARATION OF THE REEDS FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY OR IMPROPER CLOSING OF THE REEDS ALLOW HOT EXHAUST GASES TO FLOW BACKWARD INTO THE PLASTIC SECONDARY AIR FILTER CASE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THESE HOT EXHAUST GASES MAY MELT THE SECONDARY PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE.

Consequence

THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.

87V180000BrakesNovember 25, 1987 · 321,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE MAY FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE BRAKE FADE AND RECOVERY PORTION OF FMVSS 105.

Consequence

THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY DURINGREPEATED HARD APPLICATION OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIORWARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED SEMI METALLIC BRAKE PADS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“IT WAS A RAINY DAY. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLOWED. I DID ALSO. MY BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND ALTHOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THEM. THE CAR STARTED SKIDDING AND WOULDN'T STOP. I CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE DAMAGE TO THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SLIGHT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 1998 · crash

1987 Mitsubishi Precis — common questions

Is the 1987 Mitsubishi Precis reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1987 Mitsubishi Precis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Mitsubishi Precis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.