1993 Mitsubishi Expo problems

General information about Mitsubishi-Expo
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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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Common 1993 Mitsubishi Expo problems

The 1993 Mitsubishi Expo, while praised for its reliability and handling.

Another issue that has been reported is the presence of squeaky body noises. Some owners have experienced squeaky noises coming from the body of the vehicle, which can be an annoyance and a sign of potential issues. It is essential to address these noises promptly to prevent any further damage to the vehicle.

Lastly, the availability of parts for the 1993 Mitsubishi Expo has become more challenging over the years, as fewer of these vehicles were made, making it harder to find replacement parts. This can be a significant concern for owners looking to maintain their vehicles in good working condition.

In summary, while the 1993 Mitsubishi Expo has been known for its reliability and handling, it is not without its issues. Transmission fluid problems, squeaky body noises, and the availability of replacement parts are some of the common problems reported by owners. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can help ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.

1993 Mitsubishi Expo complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Mitsubishi Expo.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1993 Mitsubishi Expo recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1993 Mitsubishi Expo.

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.

1997-04-18

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: EXCESS LUBRICATION CAN CAUSE THE RUBBER DOOR LATCH SWITCH COVER TO DEFORM, AND THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION, SO THAT THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE WOULD REMAIN AT THE A-PILLAR WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH.

Positive 1993 Mitsubishi Expo car reviews

Judah Schimmel 2024-08-13

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.
Ransom Mayert 2024-08-12

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.
Arnold Von 2024-06-24

Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share an update on my vehicle with you. It's been a while since I last reviewed it, back in March 2002, but I'm happy to report that it's still holding up great! Even though I'm no longer using it for courier work, it has over 215,000 miles on it and is still going strong. As I mentioned in my last post, it gets fantastic gas mileage and the tires are really affordable and long-lasting, usually lasting over 30,000 miles. Overall, I think this is a fantastic vehicle - it looks great, is affordable, and is really practical. Plus, I have a great mechanic who helps keep it in top shape! Thanks for reading.
Jack Mante 2024-06-22

It's great to hear about your experience with your 1992 Mitsubishi Expo! It sounds like it was a reliable and durable car that served you well. It's impressive that it handled so well in slippery conditions and had such a spacious interior. It's also great to hear that it held up so well over time, with the original brakes lasting past 60,000 miles and the transmission still functioning well after 180,000 miles. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Amos Haley 2024-05-09

Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I've had it for six years now and it has been an amazing choice! It has so much interior space and sits at a perfect height for us petite folks. I've even taken it back and forth across the country at least twice a year! Initially, it got around 30 mpg, but now it's sagging a little at around 26 mpg. However, I don't think that's too bad for an old car! I did have to get the transmission rebuilt at about 150,000 miles, after the idle regulator went. It's a shame that all the great cars are only made for a few years, isn't it?