1989 Mitsubishi Precis problems

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The Hyundai Excel (Korean: 현대 엑셀), also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Pony Excel, Hyundai Presto, Mitsubishi Precis, Hyundai X2 and Hyundai XL, is an automobile which was produced by Hyundai Motor Company from 1985 to 1999. It was the first front-wheel drive car produced by the South Korean manufacturer. The Excel range replaced the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Pony.

Background

The Excel was based on the second generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage, but it received its own sheet metal design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Excel was available in three- or five-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. The Excel was the first Hyundai car to be exported to the United States.

The Excel was available with either a manual or automatic transmission mated to a four-cylinder engine aspirated by a carburetor or fuel injection system, depending on market and model year.

Originally, the Excel was supposed to be replaced by the Elantra in 1990, but it ended up being sold for four more years until being replaced by the Hyundai Accent in the model year 1995. From 1990, there was a coupé variant called the Hyundai Scoupe, which was replaced by the Hyundai Coupé in 1996.

1989 Mitsubishi Precis

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Common 1989 Mitsubishi Precis problems

The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.

One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the alternator, which has been known to fail twice in one winter, particularly during slow driving in snow. This is attributed to the alternator being mounted on the hot side of the block, receiving little airflow, which can lead to overheating and failure.

Another issue is the muffler, which has been reported to rust off around 50,000 miles. This can be resolved by replacing it with a glass-pack, which is a more cost-effective solution.

The CV joints are also prone to ticking after 60,000 miles, which can be addressed by replacing them with junkyard parts.

The engine is known to be noisy above 2500 RPM and feels poorly balanced, which can lead to a less comfortable driving experience.

Additionally, the engine can become an oil guzzler after 45,000 miles, though it never smokes. This can be a significant expense for owners, particularly if the vehicle is driven frequently.

The car's suspension is also known to be stiff, which can impact comfort during driving. However, this can be alleviated by replacing the rear shocks with junkyard parts.

The car's fuel mileage is also poor, with a rating of 24/29 mpg, which can be a concern for owners who drive long distances or frequently.

Finally, the car's intake "jet" mini-valve is a common point of failure, which can lead to a persistent light misfire that almost goes away above 3k RPM. This can be addressed by installing welded blanks in the holes of the jetvalves, which allows it to work on all four like a normal engine.

Overall, while the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis has several common problems, many of them can be addressed with relatively simple and cost-effective solutions. However, the frequency of these issues may be a concern for potential buyers.

1989 Mitsubishi Precis engine

What years were the Mitsubishi Precis made?

The Mitsubishi Precis was a subcompact car that was essentially a rebadged version of the Hyundai Excel. Offered during the 1980s and early 1990s in the U.S. market, it's a product of the collaboration between Hyundai and Mitsubishi. The Precis was sold in the U.S. market from 1987 to 1994.

Which is better Toyota or Mitsubishi?

Toyota is recognized worldwide for its dependable vehicles, while Mitsubishi stands out with its performance-focused engineering and generous warranty offerings.

Are Mitsubishis reliable cars?

Mitsubishi Motors models are known for their reliability and long-living powertrain. Thanks to the Mitsubishi Motors basic limited warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles, a powertrain limited warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles, many of their vehicles can keep on going for years and years.

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.

1989 Mitsubishi Precis car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Precis problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Seats problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mitsubishi Precis vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Mitsubishi Precis complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis.

1999-02-04

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-02-03
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: KPHLD21J7KU
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5MPH OR LESS WHEN REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45MPH OR MORE, UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SEATBACK REST BROKE AND DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM SEAT INTO REAR OF CAR. *AK *ML
1996-03-13

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-13
  • VIN: KPALD21J1KU
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: TRIED TO GET RECALL REMEDIED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DID NOT EXIST AND THEY WILL NOT SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR HIM EVEN THOUGH HE HAS A LETTER. *AK
1995-11-29

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: PURCHASE CAR NEW THE FRONT END WAS REALIGNED TEN TIMES,ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED TWO TIMES. TT
1995-08-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-08
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KTHCD11J7KU
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IT WAS REED SWITCH . TT
1995-02-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: KPHLD11JXKU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED, ALSO VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL OR NOT START.
1995-02-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • VIN: KPHLD11JXKU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY FAILED 5 TIMES, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING. *SKD
1994-11-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-09
  • VIN: UNK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FAILED DUE TO LEAKING ENGINE SEALS. *SKD

1989 Mitsubishi Precis recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis.

1995-03-22
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE THOSE THAT HAD THE HEATER VALVE STEMS REPLACED IN AN EARLIER MITSUBISHI RECALL (94V-103.001). CERTAIN VEHICLES HAD AN INCORRECT VALVE STEM INSTALLED WHICH COULD CAUSE THE INCORRECT STEM TO LEAK AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME.
  • Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT VALVE STEMS.
1994-10-04
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
  • Summary: THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
  • Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
1991-12-31
  • Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
  • Summary: DETERIORATION OF THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY PORTION OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE REEDS TO THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY RUST, AND IF THE RUSTING BECOMES SEVERE, THE SCREW HEADS WILL ERODE AND ALLOW THE REEDS TO SEPARATE FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY. CORROSION MAY ALSO OCCUR ON THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY, DEFORMING THE REED SEATS AND PREVENTING THE REEDS FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. SEPARATION OF THE REEDS FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY OR IMPROPER CLOSING OF THE REEDS ALLOW HOT EXHAUST GASES TO FLOW BACKWARD INTO THE PLASTIC SECONDARY AIR FILTER CASE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THESE HOT EXHAUST GASES MAY MELT THE SECONDARY PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE.
  • Consequence: THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Mitsubishi Precis problems:

Was the Hyundai Excel a bad car? - Quora
Was the Hyundai Excel a bad car? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Was-the-Hyundai-Excel-a-bad-car

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CC Outtake: Jeep Wagoneer and Mitsubishi Precis - Two Oddballs ...
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Apr 7, 2017 ... ... common and popular cars: the Jeep Cherokee ... 1989 Laredo. ... One cannot tell the history of a company without exposing it's problems and faults, ...

Why is the Hyundai engine considered bad? - Quora
Why is the Hyundai engine considered bad? - Quora
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Dec 15, 2022 ... ... engine of Mitsubishi design. The engines could ... Mitsubishi Precis [ edit ] 1989 Mitsubishi Precis ... What are common problems with Hyundai cars?

Hyundai Recalls Almost All of Its Excel Models : Automobiles: A ...
Hyundai Recalls Almost All of Its Excel Models : Automobiles: A ...
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-01-01-fi-1307-story.html

Jan 1, 1992 ... The Korean car maker builds the Precis for Mitsubishi. Advertisement. Hyundai officials said they have identified a problem in which ...

Econobox Survivor: 1989 Mitsubishi Precis | Barn Finds
Econobox Survivor: 1989 Mitsubishi Precis | Barn Finds
https://barnfinds.com/econobox-survivor-1989-mitsubishi-precis/

Mar 7, 2020 ... Here's a car that I can virtually guarantee is extinct: a survivor-grade 1989 Mitsubishi Precis, otherwise known as a Hyundai Excel. Now, no ...

Other years of Mitsubishi Precis

mitsubishi precis 1990 photo
Precis 1990
Mitsubishi

7

2

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  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi precis 1991 photo
Precis 1991
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15

1

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  • 5
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  • 3
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  • 1
mitsubishi precis 1992 photo
Precis 1992
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1

1

0

  • 5
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mitsubishi precis 1993 photo
Precis 1993
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3

1

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mitsubishi precis 1987 photo
Precis 1987
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1

2

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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi precis 1988 photo
Precis 1988
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4

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1989 Mitsubishi Precis photo