Mitsubishi Cordia problems
The Mitsubishi Cordia is a compact hatchback-coupé manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors between 1982 and 1990. Alongside the Tredia and Starion, the Cordia is one of the first cars imported and sold in the United States by Mitsubishi without the help of Chrysler Corporation, which owned a stake in Mitsubishi and sold its models as captive imports. The Cordia XP was the model sold at the Japanese Car Plaza retail chain, while the Cordia XG was sold at the Galant Shop chain. The Cordia XG model had a somewhat smaller front grille.
The Cordia was one of the first mass-market cars to offer an optional electronic instrument cluster using a liquid-crystal display (LCD).
Overview
Offered between the existing Mitsubishi Starion, Galant and Lancer models, the Cordia (along with the Tredia) used front-wheel drive and was similar in design to the Mirage, with the exception of its larger size. To further set the Cordia apart from its saloon counterpart, it received a deeper fascia which embraced the driver.
Mitsubishi incorporated MacPherson strut/beam axle suspension, front disc brakes, manual or automatic transmission, and a choice of three engines: a 68 hp 1.4-litre, a 74–87 hp (55–65 kW) 1.6-litre, and a 112 hp (84 kW) turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. Some export markets also received a carb-fed 110 hp (82 kW) 1.6-litre. A US version of the 2.0-litre generated 88 hp (66 kW) for the 1984 model.
The cars received a mild facelift in 1983 and the option of four-wheel drive was offered in 1984 in Japanese domestic markets. The engines were modified in 1985 to allow the cars to run on unleaded fuel with the introduction of a 1.8-litre in both 100 hp (74 kW) naturally aspirated and Turbocharged variants output at 135 hp (99 kW) in Europe and the UK and 116 hp (86.5kw) in the USA to cope with the lower 87 octane unleaded gasoline. The Cordia sold in the United States until the 1988 model year. Japanese manufacture was discontinued in 1990.
In Australia, the Cordia AA series was released in late 1983. An update, titled AB Series, arrived with a different grille, upgraded interior other minor changes in 1984. The final AC model was modified to run on unleaded fuel in late 1985. Production ceased in 1988. Two trim levels were available, the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre GSL and the turbocharged GSR. The early (leaded) GSRs were fitted with 13-inch alloy wheels; unleaded cars came fitted with chrome alloy 14-inch wheels. The 1800 Turbocharged Cordias were considered great performers at the time in the Australian market, which produced 110 kW (150 hp) at 6,000 rpm. It was able to achieve the 1/4 mile (400 metres) in 15.9 seconds and a top speed of over 200 km/h (124 mph), strong performance for a 1.8-liter car in the mid-1980s and boasting similar performance to cars approximately 3 times its price, making it the performance bargain of the mid-1980s in Australia.
When released in mid 1984 with its 4G62T 8-valve ECI (Electronically Controlled Injection) engine, the GSR AA and AB Turbo versions were something of a four-cylinder performance phenomenon, exciting the Australian motoring press and car enthusiasts alike. The last incarnation of the GSR, the AC model, was officially released January 1, 1986 to comply to the Australian government's new emissions requirements and was heavily detuned to run on the 91 octane unleaded fuel available at the time; output was dropped by almost 20 percent to 90KW to cope with this. This markedly reduced the performance of both the normally aspirated and turbocharged models.
The GSR was trialled as a pursuit car by NSW Police, and was reportedly the first Turbocharged vehicle used by Australian Police.
The USA version had the enhanced low speed crash resistant deeper bumpers which were also used on the NZ Turbocharged variants.
The places where these cars met with most enthusiastic success was in Australia and New Zealand. The success of the Cordia was based on its spirited performance for its cost.
In New Zealand the Cordia was assembled, with the Tredia that it is based on, first by Todd Motors, and later by Mitsubishi New Zealand. The cars were imported as CKD kits and were built with about 41% local content including glass, upholstery, carpet, wiring harnesses and radiators. Both naturally aspirated engine models and turbocharged versions were made. NZ did not have an unleaded petrol version and when ULP was introduced in the nineties, the naturally aspirated GSL ran on premium unleaded petrol without any modification.
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Mitsubishi Cordia model years
Common Mitsubishi Cordia problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding the Mitsubishi Cordia, here are some common problems reported by owners of this car:
- Recalls and Service Campaigns:
- The Mitsubishi Cordia had recalls over the years, with a significant recall in 1988 that required cars to be taken to dealerships for specific issues. While the exact nature of these recalls is not detailed, they suggest potential widespread problems that needed manufacturer intervention.
These reported problems highlight issues related to engine starting and other unspecified concerns that led to recalls. It's essential for Mitsubishi Cordia owners to stay informed about any recalls or common issues to ensure the proper maintenance and functioning of their vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Cordia years
We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Cordia cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Mitsubishi Cordia model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Cordia model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Cordia years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mitsubishi Cordia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Cordia , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Cordia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Cordia . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Cordia vehicles.
List of Mitsubishi Cordia complaints
Mitsubishi Cordia 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-30
- VIN: JA3BF44D5HZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE TIMING BELT BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-05-08
- VIN: JA3BF44G8JZ
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE SPINDLE/TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLY.
Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-05-08
- VIN: JA3BF44G8JZ
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. WHEEL BEARINGS DISINTEGRATED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE SPINDLE/TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLY.
Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-03-18
- VIN: JA3BF44DXJZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE AND DEALER SAID IT WOULD TAKE SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN. RECALL #950522. *AK
Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-07
- Date Complaint: 1995-03-07
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELTS NOT WORKING. TT
Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1995-02-22
- VIN: JA3BF44D9JZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS BROKEN, DUE TO PIECES OF PLASTIC PARTICLES FALLING INSIDE, RENDERING SEATBELT INOPERATIVE. TT
Recalls Mitsubishi Cordia
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Mitsubishi Cordia.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mitsubishi Cordia 1987
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Model: Mitsubishi Cordia 1988
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
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