1988 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 1988 Mitsubishi Starion problems
Common problems with the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion based on owner complaints include issues with the engine, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, electrical components, suspension, steering, brakes, and transmission.
- Engine Issues: Owners report problems such as lack of power, acceleration, unusual noises, and vibrations. These issues can stem from clogged fuel injectors, dirty fuel filters, faulty spark plugs, or ignition coils, leading to poor performance and misfires.
- Fuel System Problems: Clogged fuel injectors and dirty fuel filters can result in poor fuel economy and performance, affecting the overall driving experience of the Mitsubishi Starion.
- Ignition System Concerns: Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can lead to misfires, causing a loss of power and affecting the engine's performance.
- Cooling System Troubles: Over time, the radiator and cooling system components can become clogged, leading to overheating issues. Addressing these promptly is crucial to prevent serious damage to the engine.
- Electrical Issues: Owners may face problems with the battery, alternator, or other electrical components, impacting the vehicle's overall reliability and functionality.
- Suspension and Steering Problems: Issues in these systems can affect the handling and stability of the car, requiring attention to ensure safe driving conditions.
- Brake and Transmission Concerns: Depending on the vehicle's age and condition, owners may encounter issues with the brakes or transmission, affecting the overall driving performance and safety.
To maintain the Mitsubishi Starion's reliability, regular maintenance is essential. This includes frequent oil changes, cooling system maintenance, proper tire inflation, and regular checks on electrical components. By addressing these common issues proactively, owners can ensure their Mitsubishi Starion runs smoothly and efficiently, providing years of enjoyable performance.
Was the Mitsubishi Starion a good car?
Brutally fast and with precise handling and impressive refinement for its era, the rear-wheel drive Starion is excellent value and an alternative choice of 1980s coupé. It has motor sport cred aplenty, too, having enjoyed success in the World Rally Championship, American endurance racing and more.
What engine does a 1988 Mitsubishi Starion have?
MITSUBISHI Starion 2.0L 16V Turbo 5MT (180 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 16V Turbo 5MT (180 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 132 KW @ 6000 RPM 180 HP @ 6000 RPM 177 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque: | 214 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 290 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
What is the top speed of the Mitsubishi Starion?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 2.0 I4.
- Petrol.
- 2WD.
- Manual, 5-speed.
- 125 kW (170 hp)
- 220 km/h.
- 7.6 s.
What is the maximum horsepower of the Mitsubishi Starion?
Horsepower for the turbocharged models ranged between 145 and 200 PS (107 and 147 kW; 143 and 197 hp) depending upon which turbocharger was fitted, the presence of an intercooler, and whether the 8-valve or 12-valve head was used.
1988 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mitsubishi Starion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mitsubishi Starion.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-25
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DEFECTIVE AFTERMARKET OIL FILTER, WHICH CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE, MANUFACTURED BY AC DELCO FILTER PART NO. TF57. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Mitsubishi Starion problems:
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Other years of Mitsubishi Starion
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