1988 Mitsubishi Wagon problems

General information about Mitsubishi-Wagon
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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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Common 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon problems

The Mitsubishi Wagon from 1988 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. One of the most frequently reported issues is cooling system problems, which are typically caused by poor maintenance such as failing to change the fan belt regularly to prevent breakage. This can lead to overheating and damage to the head, and using water instead of coolant when topping up the radiator can exacerbate the problem.

Another common problem with the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon is transmission issues, particularly in the earlier models. These problems were largely rectified in V6 and turbo-diesel models from 1988 onwards, with the introduction of a new five-speed transmission. However, box-shaped Pajeros, which share the same engine and transmission as the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon, can still suffer from transmission problems.

The engines in the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon are generally reliable, but there are servicing tricks to be aware of, such as the need to adjust the balance shaft drive chain on four-cylinder donks.

Box-shaped Pajeros also have front suspension and steering wear spots, including the idler arm bushes and the anti-sway bar bushes. The lower control arm bolts can loosen, producing a groaning noise. At the back, the coil-spring suspension can suffer from loose trailing arm bolts and bushes. Pajero fuel tanks are vulnerable and the void between the bash plate and the tank can fill with small stones. Impact on the bash plate then hammers the stones into the tank, causing cracks.

Inside, Pajeros with suspension seats can suffer cracked frames. These problems are not unique to the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon, but they are common issues that owners of this car have reported.

In summary, the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon has several common problems, including cooling system issues, transmission problems, and engine and fuel system issues. Proper maintenance and regular servicing can help prevent many of these problems, but some issues may still arise due to the design and construction of the car.

1988 Mitsubishi Wagon car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Tires problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Mitsubishi Wagon complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mitsubishi Wagon.

2000-10-20

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
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

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1998-08-10