1987 Mitsubishi Starion problems
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.
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Common 1987 Mitsubishi Starion problems
The Mitsubishi Starion, produced from 1982 to 1989, is known for its technical prowess and competent performance. However, there are several common problems that owners have reported with the 1987 model.
- Suspension and Steering Problems: The Starion's handling balance is outstanding, but it can be improved with lower-profile tyres on larger than standard rims. The imprecise steering can also be sharpened with these modifications.
- Interior and Electrical Issues: Seat bolsters wear, and even excellent cars may need some retrimming. Plastic deterioration is unavoidable, leading to quite serious dash cracking, warped and discolored consoles, and door-cards that are warped and discolored. The plastic console and even steering column controls might be beginning to disintegrate. Power windows will likely suffer from sticky or non-functioning switches, but replacements are available.
- Air-Conditioning: Air-conditioning is a bonus but needs careful checking and even if it's working but in need of a service, be prepared for $1500 in maintenance expenses.
- Fuel Injectors: Some owners have reported difficulties in finding fuel injectors for their 1985 Starion with the 4G63 engine, Turbo, 2000 cc, and the ECI system.
- Suspension Struts: Some owners have reported issues with the suspension struts, specifically with the KYB 365060 front cartidges. When the nut is tightened, the shock still has about a half of play in it, indicating a potential issue with the strut or its installation.
These common problems do not necessarily affect all 1987 Mitsubishi Starions, but they are issues that have been reported by some owners. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider them when evaluating a Starion for purchase.
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 is in a Starion?
2.0 L G63B engine, apart from GSR-VR which has 2.6 L G54B.
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.
What is the top speed of a Starion Turbo?
The Mitsubishi Starion Turbo 180 PS claimed top speed is 220 km/h / 137 mph.
1987 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:
- Seats problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Mitsubishi Starion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Mitsubishi Starion complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-25
- VIN: JA3CC54N6HZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEATBELT BUCKLE RECALL PARTS NLA: THERE REMAINS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF INEFFECTIVE AND FAILING SEATBELT BUCKLES FOR THE 1987 MITSUBISHI STARION (OTHER YEARS AS WELL AS CHRYSLER CONQUEST - SAME CAR, DIFFERENT NAME). MITSUBISHI CLAIMS REPLACEMENT PARTS TO BE NO LONGER AVAILABLE, AND WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL. THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. BEING A RARE, OLDER CAR IS NO EXCUSE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JA3CC54N2H2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING HEAD INJURY/EJECTION. *SD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Mitsubishi Starion problems:
Starion problems need help!!! - Newbie Question and Answers ...
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 ...
What do you guys think of the Chrysler Conquest (Mitsubishi Starion ...
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). Archived post. New ...
I test drove a Mitsubishi Starion today | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
Nov 18, 2010 ... Am I crazy to sell my 97 gti vr6 for a starion? What are some common problems with these uncommon cars? Is there anything i need to look out ...
Chrysler Conquest TSi / Mitsubishi Starion - NASIOC
Sep 21, 2003 ... Anyone know anything good or bad about the 87/88 Conquest TSi or the Mitsubishi Starion. I found what I think would be a good deal for a ...
Junkyard Find: 1988 Dodge Conquest TSi | The Truth About Cars
May 24, 2012 ... Only problem was, the Starion/Conquest was a finicky, fragile machine, best known for maddeningly undiagnosable fuel-system problems, weird ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Starion
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