VehicleVerdict

1996 Mitsubishi Spyder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Spyder years?

Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted14 complaints1996: 2 complaints1998: 6 complaints2001: 14 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 10 complaints
Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2100%

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder have recalls?

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

00V421001SuspensionDecember 18, 2000 · 567,432 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE. ALSO, MMC HAS ADDED THE POTENTIAL OF LEAKING MOISTURE, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BALL STUD TO CORRODE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES MMC'S PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN, SEE 99V-066.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. BALL JOINTS THAT EXHIBIT WEAR BEYOND THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH NEWLY DESIGNED LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS. BALL JOINTS THAT ARE WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOLERANCE WILL BE CLEANED AND A SPECIAL SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF MOISTURE.

99V066001SuspensionApril 5, 1999 · 307,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE RUBBER BOOTS ON THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, DIRT AND WATER CAN INTRUDE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RUBBER BOOTS, AND IF THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THEY WILL REPLACE THE LOWER LATERAL ARM AND BALL JOINT ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONVERTIBLE TOP FRAME WARPED NOT ALLOWING THE TOP TO FULLY OPEN WITHOUT LOCKING UP. FIRST INCIDENT WAS WITHIN ONE MONTH OF PURCHASE AND DEALER ADVICED, IN WRITING, TO BRING VEHICLE IN DUE TO DEFECT PROBLEMS WITH TOP OF THAT MODEL. AFTER SUPPOSED REPAIR TOP CONTINUED WITH SAME WARPING PROBLEM AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

1996 Mitsubishi Spyder — common questions

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder reliable?

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

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder. 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.