1986 Mitsubishi Starion problems

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The Mitsubishi Starion is a two-door, turbocharged four-cylinder rear-wheel drive four-seat hatchback sports car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1982 until 1989 — with badge engineered variants marketed in North America as the Conquest, under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth brands.

The Starion was one of the first modern Japanese turbocharged performance automobiles with electronic fuel injection.

Overview

Mitsubishi began marketing the Starion in 1982, during a period in which a number of Japanese grand tourer (GT) sports cars were available, including the Nissan Z cars, Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra and to a lesser extent, the Honda Prelude, Isuzu Piazza and Subaru XT.

The Starion was marketed in the US as the Mitsubishi Starion and badge engineered variants of it were marketed as the Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler Conquest. In the UK it was sold as the Colt Starion.

It was manufactured in two body configurations, a narrowbody and widebody; the narrower style complied with Japanese exterior dimension regulations taxing larger vehicles and engine displacement exceeding two liters. Only the narrowbody was offered through the 1985.5 model year.

The introduction of the widebody also split the car into two ranges: a non-intercooled lower-horsepower car using the narrow body style and a high-performance intercooled widebody. In most markets, widebody cars were given the label of Starion ESI-R or Conquest TSi. Markets that never received the widebody had the ESI-R label, these cars had similar performance as the widebodies. Widebody cars were offered in 1986–1989 model years in the US.

The Starion was featured in the 1984 movie Cannonball Run II.

1986 Mitsubishi Starion

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Common 1986 Mitsubishi Starion problems

The Mitsubishi Starion, produced between 1982 and 1989, is known for its unique style and performance. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Mitsubishi Starion, based on complaints from owners:

  1. Engine Issues: The engine is one of the most critical components of any car, and the Mitsubishi Starion is no exception. Owners have reported a range of engine-related issues, from a lack of power and acceleration to unusual noises or vibrations coming from under the hood. Some common engine-related issues include problems with the fuel system, such as clogged fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter, which can result in poor performance and fuel economy. Other issues may include problems with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, which can cause misfires and lead to a loss of power.
  2. Cooling System Issues: Over time, the radiator and other components of the cooling system can become clogged with debris, reducing their efficiency and leading to issues such as overheating. This can cause serious damage to the engine and other components, so it's important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and address any issues with the cooling system promptly.
  3. Electrical Problems: Electrical problems are a common issue with many cars, and the Mitsubishi Starion is no exception. Issues with the battery or alternator can lead to problems starting the car or maintaining a consistent charge. Additionally, electrical problems can lead to issues with the car's electronics, such as the dashboard or lighting.
  4. Suspension and Steering Issues: Problems with the suspension and steering systems can lead to a less comfortable ride and reduced handling performance. Common issues include worn-out shocks or struts, which can lead to a bumpy ride and reduced handling performance, as well as issues with the steering system, such as worn-out tie rods or ball joints, which can lead to difficulty steering or a loose steering feel.

Despite these potential issues, it's important to remember that with proper maintenance and care, the Mitsubishi Starion can provide years of reliable performance and enjoyment. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections can help identify and address issues before they become more serious, and can help keep your Starion running smoothly and efficiently.

1986 Mitsubishi Starion engine

How much is a Starion worth?

Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Mitsubishi Starion? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $6,300 for a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion LS Turbo Coupe 5-Speed on Nov 17 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a Mitsubishi Starion? A: The average price of a Mitsubishi Starion is $17,260.

Is the Mitsubishi Starion fast?

The Starion fitted that purpose perfectly. With a top speed of 135 mph and 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, not even the new Porsche 944 could fend off its challenge.

What engine did the Starion have?

The car was developed with a turbocharged and intercooled version of Mitsubishi's 2.0 L fuel injected engine, but the final goal was to use a turbocharged and intercooled 261 kW (355 PS; 350 hp) version of the Sirius Dash engine that Mitsubishi announced at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, which switched electronically at ...

How much horsepower does a 1985 Mitsubishi Starion have?

MITSUBISHI Starion 2.0L 16V Turbo 5MT (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 16V Turbo 5MT (170 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1997 cm3
Power:125 KW @ 5500 RPM 170 HP @ 5500 RPM 168 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque:181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM

1986 Mitsubishi Starion car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Seat belts problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mitsubishi Starion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Mitsubishi Starion complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Mitsubishi Starion.

2018-07-27

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-01
  • VIN: JA3BC54N4GZ
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 MITSUBISHI STARION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V103004 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (TOMS RIVER MITSUBISHI, 254 RT 37 EAST, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753, (732) 575-1200) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONSUMER STATED CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED FAILURE SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER AND PASS SIDE DO NOT BUCKLE. NEITHER DRIVERS NOR PASSENGERS FRONT SEAT BELTS WILL BUCKLE AND STAY FASTENED. SLIGHT MOVEMENT CAUSES SEAT BELTS TO RELEASE. SAFETY HAZARD . RECALL SAYS MITSUBISHI WILL WARRANTY SEAT BELTS FOREVER, BUT PARTS NLA. UPDATED 10/16/18*JB
1996-05-06

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-08-01
  • VIN: JA3BC54H4GZ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FROM FUEL INJECTORS. *DSH

1986 Mitsubishi Starion recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Mitsubishi Starion.

1995-05-24
  • Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
  • Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Mitsubishi Starion problems:

What do you guys think of the Chrysler Conquest (Mitsubishi Starion ...
What do you guys think of the Chrysler Conquest (Mitsubishi Starion ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/7be89c/what_do_you_guys_think_of_the_chrysler_conquest/

Nov 7, 2017 ... Very 80s lol. (The one I'm getting is a '87 with 85,000 miles on it and no mechanical issues. Going to buy it for $4000).

Starion problems need help!!! - Newbie Question and Answers ...
Starion problems need help!!! - Newbie Question and Answers ...
https://www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/130108-starion-problems-need-help/

May 10, 2012 ... Ok so I'm going to try my best to explain this to the "T".it's a 86 starion esi-r When I bought the car you had to pump the throttle ...

Mitsubishi Starion (Chrysler Conquest): What are common problems ...
Mitsubishi Starion (Chrysler Conquest): What are common problems ...
https://www.carthrottle.com/posts/mitsubishi-starion-chrysler-conquest-what-are-common-problems-model-i-should-look

Mitsubishi Starion (Chrysler Conquest): What are common problems with this model that I should look for? Ben Anderson 1. 31 Oct 2014. Comments. Pooft Lee.

89' Chrysler Conquest TSI | Turbo Dodge Forums
89' Chrysler Conquest TSI | Turbo Dodge Forums
https://www.turbododge.com/threads/89-chrysler-conquest-tsi.70290/

Nov 18, 2004 ... 6 SOHC Turbo Intercooled setup. Thats about all I know. What I would like to know more about is common problems, reliability, recalls, ...

MITSUBISHI STARION Recalls List by Year
MITSUBISHI STARION Recalls List by Year
https://www.recallslist.com/mitsubishi/starion/

The largest recall of the model came in 1986 when cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with 1 issues. The common problems for this model: Seats ...

Other years of Mitsubishi Starion

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Starion 1987
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mitsubishi starion 1986 photo
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1986 Mitsubishi Starion photo