Mitsubishi Wagon problems
The Mitsubishi Chariot is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1983 to 2003. It is a small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Based on the SSW concept car first exhibited at the 23rd Tokyo Motor Show in 1979, the MPV derives its nameplate from chariots used by the ancient Greek and Roman empires.
Internationally, the MPV has been marketed as the Mitsubishi Space Wagon, Mitsubishi Nimbus and Mitsubishi Expo — and as the Dodge and Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon, as captive imports in North America, and as the Eagle Vista Wagon in Canada. It has also been manufactured under license as the Hyundai Santamo and Mitsubishi Savrin in Asia.
First generation (1983)
The first generation Chariot (D0#W-series) was produced from February 1983 until May 1991 with a choice of SOHC straight-four powerplants ranging from the 1.6-liter 4G32 to the 2.0-liter 4G63 petrol engines, or the 1.8 liter 4D65T turbo-diesel (from October 1984), mated to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Based on the Tredia, the Chariot partially replaced the Mitsubishi Galant station wagon. In Japan the Chariot was available as either a six- or a seven-seater, in which the rear two rows could be folded down flat; the middle row on the six-seater model could be turned around to create a sitting area in the rear (although not while the vehicle was in motion).
The Chariot's wheelbase was 2,625 mm (103.3 in), while overall length ranged from 4,295–4,485 mm (169.1–176.6 in) depending on market and equipment level, which was within compliance with Japanese regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement size. In most export markets, the Chariot was sold as the Mitsubishi Space Wagon, but there were also a number of other names used.
A van version with an extended fiberglass roof was sold in Finland as the Mitsubishi Space Van. At the time vans were exempt from tax in Finland and the roof was extended to reach the minimum height of cargo space needed to be registered as a van. The fiberglass extensions were produced by boat manufacturer Esboat. The van's top speed was limited to 80 km/h.
From June 1984, a version with permanent four-wheel drive was also offered for the two-liter engined model, while Japanese customers could also get the 4G62 engine in the MR Turbo version from July 1983 until the 1987 model year (1795 cc, 135 PS or 99 kW at 5800 rpm). This version could reach 175 km/h (109 mph), and was also available with the 3-speed automatic.
In Australia, where it was marketed as the "Nimbus", it won the 1984 Wheels Car of the Year award in its debut year. The Nimbus model codes were "UA" (1984), "UB" (1986), and "UC" (1987).
A single 1.8-litre GLX version, with manual or automatic transmission, was assembled from CKD kits in New Zealand by importer Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi NZ Ltd).
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Mitsubishi Wagon model years
Common Mitsubishi Wagon problems
The Mitsubishi Space Wagon is known for several common problems across its various generations, models, and engines. One of the most significant issues is with the automatic transmission, which was particularly prevalent in the first generation of the Space Wagon (1983-1991).
The second generation of the Space Wagon (1991-1999) also had issues with the automatic transmission, particularly if it was not regularly serviced. Symptoms of transmission issues included rough shifting, slipping, and delayed engagement.
The Space Wagon's electrical system was also known to have problems, including faulty alternators, dead batteries, and malfunctioning power windows.
The third generation of the Space Wagon (1999-2003) had issues with the crankshaft position sensor, which could cause starting problems when the engine was warm.
The Space Wagon was also known to suffer from rust problems, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and rear door.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Space Wagon has a range of common issues that owners should be aware of, including problems with the automatic transmission, engine overheating, electrical system, suspension, crankshaft position sensor, engine temperature sensor, tappets, and rust. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or address these issues and ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Wagon years
We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Wagon cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Mitsubishi Wagon model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Wagon model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Wagon years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mitsubishi Wagon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Wagon , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Wagon model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Wagon . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Wagon vehicles.
List of Mitsubishi Wagon complaints
Mitsubishi Wagon 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-29
- VIN: JA4FN54W8LA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. DRIVER HAD TO WIGGLE HIMSELF OUT OF SEAT TO BE RELEASED. *AK
Mitsubishi Wagon 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-20
- Number Of Injuries: 6
- VIN: JA4FN44L9JA
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING, DRIFTED TO THE LEFT, ROLLED OVER THEN STARTED SKIDDING ON IT'S RIGHT SIDE, AFTER PASSENGER GOT OUT OF THE CAR THEY NOTICE THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A BELT LIFT OR TREAD SEPARATION WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, ALL PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR TO MAJOR INJURIES(GENERAL TIRE 205/75R14 - TIRE MILEAGE 18,000). NLM
Mitsubishi Wagon 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-08-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ENGINE/TRANSMISSION FAILED.
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