1988 Mitsubishi Pickup problems

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The Mitsubishi Triton or Mitsubishi L200 is a mid-size pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors. In Japan, where it has only been sold intermittently and in small numbers, it was originally known as the Mitsubishi Forte and from 1991 as the Strada. In the United States, Chrysler Corporation sold captive imports as the Dodge D50, Dodge Ram 50 and Plymouth Arrow truck, and Mitsubishi marketed it as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max until 2002.

For most export markets the name L200 is used, though it has also been known as the Rodeo, Colt, Storm, Magnum, Strakar (used in Portugal since 1999; Strakar is a portmanteau of Strada and Dakar), and others. In 2015, Fiat Professional launched a rebadged version as the Fiat Fullback. In 2016, Ram Trucks launched a rebadged version as the Ram 1200 for the Middle East market.

Cumulative sales of the first three generations exceeded 2.8 million units around the world. As of February 2021, the pickup truck is sold in every available Mitsubishi market except the United States, Canada, Japan, India and China. In Japan, it was previously sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

1988 Mitsubishi Pickup

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Common 1988 Mitsubishi Pickup problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup truck from 1988, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Clutch Fork and/or Shaft Assembly Breakage:
    Owners have reported issues with the clutch fork and/or shaft assembly breaking, leading to transmission problems and difficulties in shifting gears. This problem can significantly impact the drivability of the vehicle and may require professional repair to address the issue effectively.
  2. Electrical System Malfunctions:
    Electrical system faults have been a common complaint among Mitsubishi Mighty Max owners. Problems with power windows, locks, radio, and speakers have been reported. These issues are often caused by faulty switches, wiring, or components within the electrical system. Proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is essential to identify and resolve these electrical malfunctions promptly.
  3. Timing Belt and Water Pump Replacement:
    Another prevalent issue with the Mitsubishi Mighty Max is the need for regular replacement of the timing belt and water pump. Failure to replace these components at recommended intervals can lead to engine damage and performance issues. Routine maintenance is crucial to prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
  4. Rust Problems:
    Rust has been a significant concern for owners of the Mighty Max, especially in areas with high humidity or salt exposure. Body panels are prone to rust, which can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle if left unchecked. Regular inspections and rust prevention measures are essential to mitigate this common problem.
  5. Fuel System Issues:
    Problems with the fuel system, such as clogged fuel injectors or a malfunctioning fuel pump, have been reported by owners. These issues can result in poor engine performance, stalling, or rough idling. Proper maintenance of the fuel system, including regular inspections and cleaning, is crucial to ensure optimal vehicle operation.
  6. Suspension Problems:
    Some owners have experienced suspension issues with the Mighty Max, including worn-out shocks, ball joints, and broken leaf springs. These problems can affect the handling, ride quality, and towing capacity of the vehicle. Timely replacement of worn suspension components is necessary to maintain safe and smooth driving conditions.

Addressing these common problems with the Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup truck from 1988 requires proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and prompt repairs by qualified mechanics. By staying vigilant and addressing issues as they arise, owners can ensure the reliability and longevity of their vehicles.

1988 Mitsubishi Pickup engine

1988 Mitsubishi Pickup car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Pickup 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 1988 Mitsubishi Pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Mitsubishi Pickup complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mitsubishi Pickup.

2005-07-31

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1988-10-15
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES ON A 1988 MITSUBISHI, SPX WITH LESS THAN 200,000 MILES. TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN USED TO HAUL OR TOW ANYTHING, AND MOST OF THE MILES HAS BEEN INTERSTATE MILES. *NM
1998-07-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JA87FL24D4J
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH WHEN THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP DUE TO THE PIN WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS NOT WELDED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, MANUFACTURER HAS DONE NOTHING. THE PIN WAS WELDED BY THE MECHANIC, VEHICLE IS RUNNING FINE EXCEPT FOR GRINDING NOISE AFFECTED BY LOOSENED PIN. *TT
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