Mitsubishi Expo problems
The Mitsubishi Chariot is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1983 to 2003. It is a small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Based on the SSW concept car first exhibited at the 23rd Tokyo Motor Show in 1979, the MPV derives its nameplate from chariots used by the ancient Greek and Roman empires.
Internationally, the MPV has been marketed as the Mitsubishi Space Wagon, Mitsubishi Nimbus and Mitsubishi Expo — and as the Dodge and Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon, as captive imports in North America, and as the Eagle Vista Wagon in Canada. It has also been manufactured under license as the Hyundai Santamo and Mitsubishi Savrin in Asia.
First generation (1983)
The first generation Chariot (D0#W-series) was produced from February 1983 until May 1991 with a choice of SOHC straight-four powerplants ranging from the 1.6-liter 4G32 to the 2.0-liter 4G63 petrol engines, or the 1.8 liter 4D65T turbo-diesel (from October 1984), mated to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Based on the Tredia, the Chariot partially replaced the Mitsubishi Galant station wagon. In Japan the Chariot was available as either a six- or a seven-seater, in which the rear two rows could be folded down flat; the middle row on the six-seater model could be turned around to create a sitting area in the rear (although not while the vehicle was in motion).
The Chariot's wheelbase was 2,625 mm (103.3 in), while overall length ranged from 4,295–4,485 mm (169.1–176.6 in) depending on market and equipment level, which was within compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement size. In most export markets, the Chariot was sold as the Mitsubishi Space Wagon, but there were also a number of other names used.
A van version with an extended fiberglass roof was sold in Finland as the Mitsubishi Space Van. At the time vans were exempt from tax in Finland and the roof was extended to reach the minimum height of cargo space needed to be registered as a van. The fiberglass extensions were produced by boat manufacturer Esboat. The van's top speed was limited to 80 km/h.
From June 1984, a version with permanent four-wheel drive was also offered for the two-liter engined model, while Japanese customers could also get the 4G62 engine in the MR Turbo version from July 1983 until the 1987 model year (1795 cc, 135 PS or 99 kW at 5800 rpm). This version could reach 175 km/h (109 mph), and was also available with the 3-speed automatic.
In Australia, where it was marketed as the "Nimbus", it won the 1984 Wheels Car of the Year award in its debut year. The Nimbus model codes were "UA" (1984), "UB" (1986), and "UC" (1987).
A single 1.8-litre GLX version, with manual or automatic transmission, was assembled from CKD kits in New Zealand by importer Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi NZ Ltd).
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Mitsubishi Expo model years
Common Mitsubishi Expo problems
The Mitsubishi Expo LRV, a compact multi-purpose vehicle, has been known for some common problems that have been reported by its owners. The most commonly reported issue is the premature failure of the clutch. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, overuse, or improper maintenance. The symptoms of this issue may include difficulty changing gears, a burning smell, or a slipping clutch. If left unattended, this problem can lead to a complete clutch failure, which may require a costly replacement.
Another common problem with the Mitsubishi Expo LRV is the failure of the air conditioning condenser fan motor. This issue can cause the air conditioning system to malfunction or stop working entirely. The symptoms of this problem may include a lack of cool air, a noisy fan, or a complete failure of the air conditioning system. The replacement cost of the air conditioning condenser fan motor can range from $417 to $440, which can be a significant expense for some owners.
The Mitsubishi Expo LRV can also experience issues with the engine compression test. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, overuse, or improper maintenance. The symptoms of this issue may include a loss of power, a rough idle, or a misfiring engine. An engine compression test can help diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate course of action. The cost of an engine compression test can range from $88 to $111, which can be a significant expense for some owners.
The Mitsubishi Expo LRV can also experience issues with the valve cover gasket. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, overuse, or improper maintenance. The symptoms of this issue may include oil leaks, a burning smell, or a rough idle. The replacement cost of the valve cover gasket can range from $101 to $187, which can be a significant expense for some owners.
The Mitsubishi Expo LRV can also experience issues with the transmission leak inspection. This problem can occur due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, overuse, or improper maintenance. The symptoms of this issue may include a loss of transmission fluid, a slipping transmission, or a complete transmission failure. The cost of a transmission leak inspection can range from $44 to $56, which can be a significant expense for some owners.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Expo LRV has been known for some common problems that have been reported by its owners. These issues can include the premature failure of the clutch, the failure of the air conditioning condenser fan motor, issues with the engine compression test, problems with the valve cover gasket, and transmission leak inspection issues. These problems can be costly to repair and may require regular maintenance to prevent them from occurring.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Expo years
We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Expo cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mitsubishi Expo model years:
- Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Mitsubishi Expo 1996
- Mitsubishi Expo 2003
- Mitsubishi Expo 1992
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Expo model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Expo years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mitsubishi Expo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Expo , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Expo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Expo model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Expo model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Expo . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Expo vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mitsubishi Expo 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2008-06-12
- VIN: JA3CD49G4PZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI EXPO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A WINDING NOISE FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HE STILL HEARD THE WINDING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A THUNK. THE REVERSE GEAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW TRANSMISSION KIT, WHICH LASTED APPROXIMATELY 2.5 YEARS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVE AND REVERSE GEARS FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V168000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 07/08/08. *BF UPDATED *JB
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2005-05-05
- VIN: JA3EB30G6RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES: THE TRANSFER CASE INSIDE THE TRANMISSION LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. *NM
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-27
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERABLE. *PH
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-05-28
- VIN: JA3ED59G3RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE REVERSING. THE VEHICLE NO LONGER SHIFTS INTO ANY GEAR. *TT
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-28
- VIN: JA3ED59G7RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PASSING A TRUCK ON SMALL HILL AND LOST POWER. HAD NO GEARS AT ALL. NO FORWARD OR REVERSE. HAD TO TAKE ACTION TO GET OFF ROAD. DT
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-05-14
- VIN: JA3AD59G6SZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED FIVE TIMES.
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-02-25
- VIN: JA3EE59G5RZ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-03
- VIN: JA3ED59G3RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-27
- VIN: JA3AD59GXSZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TRANSFER CASE LEAKING, WHICH CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO SLIP, LURCHES IN LOW GEAR AND TRANSFER CASE LOCK UP. CONSUMER HAD TRANSFER CASE REPLACED 3 TIMES. AT DEALER AT THIS TIME FOR THE FOURTH REPLACEMENT. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED.*AK
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-05-07
- VIN: JA3ED59C0RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-02-27
- VIN: JA3AD59G4SZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING FRONTAL COLLISION, THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO PUSH THE FRONT BUMPER THROUGH THE HOOD, RADIATOR AND ENGINE. NLM
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-25
- Date Complaint: 2001-02-23
- VIN: JA3AD59G6SZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT WOULD BE SLIPPING WHILE IN GEAR. FAILS TO MAINTAIN GEAR SELECTION. IF VEHICLE IS PARKED IT WOULD JUMP OUT OF GEAR. *AK
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-04
- VIN: JA3ED59G4RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON JULY 6, 1999, AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 P.M. WHILE DRIVING THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE I HEARD A THUMP AND NOTICED THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I WAS GOING APROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HAD TO SWERVE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED. IT IS NOTED, ON MARCH 12, 1999, I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER AFTER NOTICING A JERK BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. I WAS CHARGED $95.00 FOR A TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE.
Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-04
- VIN: JA3ED59G4RZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON JULY 6, 1999, AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 P.M. WHILE DRIVING THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE I HEARD A THUMP AND NOTICED THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I WAS GOING APROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HAD TO SWERVE ONTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED. IT IS NOTED, ON MARCH 12, 1999, I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER AFTER NOTICING A JERK BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. I WAS CHARGED $95.00 FOR A TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS FINE.
Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-03-30
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION THAT STARTED SLIPPING AND JERKING BEFORE IT SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT THREE TIMES. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Mitsubishi Expo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Mitsubishi Expo.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mitsubishi Expo 1996
- Report Received Date: 2004-11-10
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE THE RADIATOR UPPER HOSE CLAMPING IS INSUFFICIENT.
- Consequence: DUE TO ENGINE BEHAVIOR, FORCES MAY PULL ON THE RADIATOR HOSE AND THE HOSE MAY COME OUT, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO COOLANT LEAKAGE AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHEATING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW RADIATOR HOSE AND HAVE THE HOSE CLAMP CHANGED WITH MODIFIED ONES. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI OF CARIBBEAN AT 787-251-8715.
- Model: Mitsubishi Expo 1992
- Report Received Date: 1998-07-22
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Model: Mitsubishi Expo 1993
- Report Received Date: 1998-07-22
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Model: Mitsubishi Expo 1995
- Report Received Date: 1998-07-22
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Model: Mitsubishi Expo 1994
- Report Received Date: 1998-07-22
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
Latest positive Mitsubishi Expo car reviews
Are you having problems with your Mitsubishi Expo?
Reinhold Reichel 2024-11-03
Vehicle year: 1995
The Expo was truly a remarkable vehicle! Its design was compact yet spacious, with 7 passenger seating and 4 REAL doors that made it stand out from the rest. It's a shame that nothing like this exists anymore. With a 2.4 litre 4 cyl. engine coupled with a 4 speed auto, it had plenty of pep and still manages to get about 19mph in the city and 27-28 on the highway. Although it had some shortcomings such as brakes that wear out too fast, a poor turning radius, and a strong tendency to understeer, these were easily overlooked by its many advantages.
Jerrod Beatty 2024-11-03
Vehicle year: 1994
This is quite an interesting vehicle when it comes to styling. It almost looks like a platypus if you view it from a certain angle. But if you're in search of a car that has a high ride, can hold a massive amount of cargo and is fuel-efficient, then this is definitely worth considering.
Garrick Bergstrom 2024-10-22
Vehicle year: 1992
I'm so glad to hear that you've had a great experience with your Expo LRV! It's unfortunate that Mitsubishi decided to discontinue this car in North America, but I hope you continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
Sylvan Donnelly 2024-10-20
Vehicle year: 1994
This car has been incredibly reliable and versatile. The cargo room with seats folded down is simply amazing. Even after 172,000 miles, the mileage is still an impressive 19/27 and the engine is running strong. The car has only needed normal maintenance such as fluids, brakes, tires, tune-ups, front struts, axles, and a catalytic converter. The only unusual repairs were a bad distributor and a leak in the gas tank. The transmission still shifts smoothly. Although the car seems to go through brakes and the rotors tend to warp, the Expo handles well and is very easy to park. The 4 cylinder engine is adequate, straining only when fully loaded and going uphill with the AC on. This has been an excellent car for a large family with small kids and is still a daily driver.
Russel Harvey 2024-10-19
Vehicle year: 1994
I'm so glad to hear that you've had a great experience with your Expo LRV! It's unfortunate that Mitsubishi decided to discontinue this car in North America, but I hope you continue to enjoy it for many years to come.