1996 Mitsubishi Spyder problems

Common 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder problems

The Mitsubishi Spyder, produced in 1996, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most prevalent issues is related to the convertible top mechanism, specifically with the hydraulic system that operates it.

• Convertible Top Hydraulic System Failure:
  The convertible top hydraulic system in the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder is prone to failure, which can manifest in various ways. Some owners have reported that the top won't open or close properly, with only one side working while the other remains stationary. This issue can be caused by faulty hydraulic attenuators, which are no longer available from Mitsubishi.

To resolve this problem, some owners have found success by testing the relay and switch connections, ensuring that power is reaching the motors and that the relay is functioning correctly. A manual setting is also available in some models, allowing for the top to be manually opened and closed using a tool inside the car.

• Water Leakage:
  Another common problem with the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder is water leakage, particularly around the driver's side top. This issue can occur due to damaged or missing rubber seals, which are no longer available from the manufacturer.

To address this problem, some owners have found alternative sources for the rubber seals or have resorted to using DIY solutions to seal the area and prevent water from entering the cabin.

• Brake System Issues:
  CarProblemZoo users have reported 170 complaints related to the Mitsubishi Eclipse’s faulty service brakes, with the majority of the complaints directed at models manufactured between 2006 and 2009. Service brakes on affected models may fail to function or lock up while in use.

• Transmission Problems:
  Transmission problems are also common in the 1995-2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models, with 61 users on RepairPal reporting difficulty shifting gears. Experts believe that this is caused by the binding of the synchronizer gear to the gear surface, which can be addressed by adding a special friction modifier to the manual transmission fluid or installing a revised synchronizer kit.

• Clutch Problems:
  The 1995-2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse models are known to have clutch problems, with some users reporting rattle noises when the car is idle. This may indicate a bad clutch pressure plate, which can be identified by a creaking noise when pressing down on the clutch pedal. Alternatively, the spring alignment in the clutch disc may need to be checked for wear.

In conclusion, the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder has several common problems, including issues with the convertible top hydraulic system, water leakage, brake system failures, transmission problems, and clutch issues. These problems can significantly impact the vehicle's functionality and safety, making it crucial for owners to address them promptly.

1996 Mitsubishi Spyder car problems categorized by type of issue

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

• Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder vehicle components and the number of complaints received.