1996 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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Common 1996 Mitsubishi Expo problems
The Mitsubishi Expo 1996 is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine and transmission.
One of the most common issues is the engine cranking but not starting
. This problem can be caused by a faulty crank sensor, timing belt issues, or a malfunctioning immobilizer key transponder key fob. To diagnose this problem, it's recommended to check for power at the coils, specifically the black and white wire, and trace the wiring back to the fuse panel. If there's no power, it's possible that an aftermarket component, such as an auto start or security system, is causing the issue.
Another common problem with the Mitsubishi Expo 1996 is transmission failure. The automatic transmission used in the 1993-1996 models is known to be defective due to a cooling mechanism issue. The cooling mechanism inside the transmission doesn't work correctly, causing the transmission fluid to overheat and lose value. This issue can lead to slippage of gears, clutches, and other mechanisms inside the gearbox, making it difficult to drive the vehicle.
In addition to these issues, the Mitsubishi Expo 1996 may also experience problems with the engine, such as engine stalling or rough idling. These issues can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor.
To address these issues, it's recommended to seek professional help from a certified mechanic or dealership. Regular maintenance, such as changing the transmission fluid, can also help prevent these problems from occurring.
It's important to note that while these issues are common, not all Mitsubishi Expo 1996 models will experience these problems. The severity and frequency of these issues can vary depending on various factors, such as the vehicle's mileage, maintenance history, and driving conditions.
1996 Mitsubishi Expo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Expo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mitsubishi Expo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Mitsubishi Expo complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mitsubishi Expo.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-31
- VIN: JA3AD59B9T2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
1996 Mitsubishi Expo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Mitsubishi Expo.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Mitsubishi Expo problems:
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