Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 33% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 17% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 17% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 17% | ▼ down |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE THOSE THAT HAD THE HEATER VALVE STEMS REPLACED IN AN EARLIER MITSUBISHI RECALL (94V-103.001). CERTAIN VEHICLES HAD AN INCORRECT VALVE STEM INSTALLED WHICH COULD CAUSE THE INCORRECT STEM TO LEAK AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT VALVE STEMS.
Defect
THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5MPH OR LESS WHEN REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45MPH OR MORE, UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SEATBACK REST BROKE AND DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM SEAT INTO REAR OF CAR. *AK *ML”
“TRIED TO GET RECALL REMEDIED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DID NOT EXIST AND THEY WILL NOT SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR HIM EVEN THOUGH HE HAS A LETTER. *AK”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.