Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder problems

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The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a front-engine, all-wheel/front-wheel drive grand touring/sports car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1990 until 2000 over three different generations. Manufactured in a three-door hatchback coupé body style in Nagoya, Japan, the 2+2 four-seaters were marketed in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) as the GTO, and globally as 3000GT. In North America, it was sold both as the Mitsubishi 3000GT (1991–1999) and the Dodge Stealth (1991–1996), a badge engineered, mechanically identical captive import. As a collaborative effort between Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors, Chrysler was responsible for the Stealth's exterior styling.

The car was based on Mitsubishi's Sigma/Diamante and retained their transverse mounted 3-liter, 24-valve V6 engines and front-wheel-drive layout. The GTO's engines were naturally aspirated or with twin-turbochargers and were also available with active aerodynamics (automatically adjusting front and rear spoilers), four-wheel-steering, full-time all-wheel-drive and adaptive suspension.

Mitsubishi marketed a retractable hardtop variant, which were engineered and converted from coupé models in California by ASC, and sold as the GT Spyder or VR4 Spyder for model years 1993–1995. These were the first fully automated retractable hardtop marketed since the 1959 Ford Skyliner.

The JDM model took its name from the Galant GTO, a two-door hardtop coupé marketed by the company in the early 1970s, which in turn took its name from the Ferrari 250 GTO, short for Gran Turismo Omologata – "Omologata" signifying that it met motorsport homologation requirements.

photo of Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder car production

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Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder model years

mitsubishi 3000gt spyder 1995 photo
3000gt spyder 1995
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Common Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder cars based on complaints from owners:

  1. Retractable Hardtop Roof Issues:
    • The retractable hardtop roof mechanism is prone to leaks, especially around the seal where the roof meets the windshield. Hydraulic cylinders responsible for raising and lowering the roof can fail, causing the roof to get stuck in open or closed positions.
  2. Weight Distribution:
    • Due to the added weight of the roof mechanism and structural reinforcements, the car's weight distribution is shifted towards the rear, leading to potential handling issues and a feeling of imbalance during cornering.
  3. Mechanical Components:
    • Common mechanical issues like timing belt and water pump failures are shared with other 3000GT models. Failure to replace these components at regular intervals can result in engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  4. Electrical Problems:
    • The Spyder Convertible's unique features require additional sensors and control modules, leading to potential electrical gremlins and issues over time. These electronic components can cause operational problems with the roof mechanism and other convertible-specific features.
  5. Suspension and Steering:
    • Suspension bushes wear out regularly, leading to rattling and knocking noises. Struts can also suffer from wear and tear, impacting the car's handling and ride quality.
  6. Transmission Issues:
    • Manual gearboxes may exhibit notchiness in standard operation, while automatic transmissions can be more problematic. Transfer cases and output shafts are components that may fail, requiring thorough inspection by a specialist.
  7. Aerodynamics:
    • Active aerodynamic systems on early cars may stop working over time. While repairable, these systems can add extra downforce on the rear wing and enhance high-speed stability.
  8. Maintenance and Modifications:
    • Regular maintenance, including fluid changes in the transmission and transfer case, is crucial for the longevity of the car. Modifications, especially those affecting engine performance, should be carefully inspected to ensure reliability.

These common problems highlight the need for meticulous maintenance and proactive care to address issues promptly and keep the Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder running smoothly.

Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder

Does the Mitsubishi 3000GT a reliable car?

While there are a number of potential issues to watch out for, the 3000GT is a well-built car and if maintained well can provide years of pleasurable motoring.

How many miles does a 3000GT last?

BTW some 3000GT/Stealth owners have over 250K miles without any serious maintenance done.

Is the Mitsubishi 3000GT a good daily?

Dependable Daily driver

I currently own a base model 1998 3000gt and It's my daily driver. It's a great car to own. It's all around good in gas mileage , very quick for the sohc non turbo (mines a 5 speed). Great appearance inside and out, eye catching, people ask about it all the time.

What is the rarest 3000GT?

What is everyone's opinion on what the rarest 3000gt model is? The rarest VR4 by production is a 98. There were 231 1998 VR4s made. There were 287 1999 VR4s made.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder years

We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder vehicles.

List of Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder complaints

Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2008-06-20
  • VIN: JA3AW75KXSY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4 SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BULB BURNED OUT. AFTER SEVERAL NEAR CRASHES, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS FAILURE WITH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. MITSUBISHI'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM COULD NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIVE DIFFERENT PLACES, INCLUDING THE MITSUBISHI DEALER, BUT NONE OF THEM COULD DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM PUMP, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM COMPUTER, AND THE WHEEL SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. IT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-06-19
  • Date Complaint: 2006-06-21
  • VIN: JA3AW75K9SY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: FLUID WAS DISCOVERED LEAKING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE ON MY 1995 3000GT SPYDER VR-4 ON JUNE 19 2006. I FOUND A RECALL FOR THIS ON AUTOMOTIVE.COM. I CONTACTED LIBERTYVILLE MITSUBISHI AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHY IT DID NOT QUALIFY. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI AMERICA AT 1-888-648-7820 AS SUGGESTED ON THE WEBSITE HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/CARS/PROBLEMS/RECALLS/RESULTS.CFM. MITSUBISHI TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS C0203N, AND THAT IT HAD EXPIRED ON JANUARY 2005. I THEN CONTACTED THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 888-327-4236. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 02V143001, AND THAT IT SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 10 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL RECALL DATE, WHICH WAS MAY 2002. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I FILL OUT THIS COMPLAINT. *JB
Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-04-10
  • Date Complaint: 2006-04-12
  • VIN: JA3AW75K7SY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: I OWN A 1995 MITSUBISHI 3000GT SPYDER VR4, AND I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS FAILING TO RETRACT. THE SEAT BELT HAS TOO MUCH SLACK, AND DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN EITHER BUCKLED OR NOT BUCKLED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ATTENDED TO. OUR CARS ARE TOO OLD TO RECEIVE THE FACTORY WARRANTY, SO THERE IS A NEED FOR A RECALL SO THAT WE CAN RECEIVED NEW PARTS. IF FIXED THIS COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE, IF UNATTENDED TO, THIS COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE SOMEONE, BUT NOT RESTRAINING THE OCCUPANTS IF A COLLISION OCCURS. *JB

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Mitsubishi 3000gt spyder photo