1987 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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Common 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia problems
The Mitsubishi Cordia, produced in 1987, is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues are primarily related to the car's cooling system, engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Cooling System Problems: The Mitsubishi Cordia's cooling system is prone to issues, often caused by poor maintenance. Failing to replace the fan belt regularly can lead to overheating and damage to the head, which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, using water instead of coolant when topping up the radiator can cause corrosion and blockages in the cooling system, leading to engine overheating.
- Engine Issues: The 1987 Cordia's engine may experience problems due to the switch from leaded to Premium Lead-Free fuel in 1986. This change resulted in a decrease in engine output, causing performance issues. Regular maintenance and servicing, including replacing spark plugs and air filters, can help maintain engine performance.
- Transmission Failures: The Cordia's automatic transmission can suffer from issues, such as leaks and component failure. These problems can lead to poor shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure. Regular maintenance and inspection of the transmission system can help prevent these issues.
- Electrical System Malfunctions: The electrical systems in the 1987 Cordia, including the power windows and air-conditioning, can suffer from sticky or non-functioning switches and require replacement. The plastic components in the interior, such as the dashboard and door cards, are also prone to deterioration and may require retrimming or replacement.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Cordia, produced in 1987, is known for common problems related to the cooling system, engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent or mitigate these issues, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the common problem of Mitsubishi?
1) Transmission Issues
Mitsubishi transmission issues have been a cause of concern for many owners, leading to frustrations and potentially costly repairs. Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or complete transmission failure.
How fast is the Cordia Turbo 1 4 mile?
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.
Is Toyota or Mitsubishi better?
In summary, both Toyota and Mitsubishi are reputable brands known for their performance and reliability, attracting loyal customers. Toyota is recognized worldwide for its dependable vehicles, while Mitsubishi stands out with its performance-focused engineering and generous warranty offerings.
What is the most reliable Mitsubishi model?
Outlander
The severity of repairs for the Outlander comes within a percentage of ratings for all vehicle models, making it the best car for reliability among this brand's lineup.
1987 Mitsubishi Cordia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Cordia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Mitsubishi Cordia complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
- VIN: JA3BF44D5HZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE TIMING BELT BROKE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
1987 Mitsubishi Cordia recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Mitsubishi Cordia problems:
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