1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › 3000GT › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, a condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Low oil levels in the transfer case could cause bearing damage and result in drive train lockup, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transfer case for indications of oil leakage or damage. vehicles that have oil leakage will have the transfer case resealed and re-fill the transfer case to the proper level, or replaced the transfer case if there IS evidence of damage. owner notification IS expected to begin december 9, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi america at 1-888-648-7820 or mitsubmishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Owner complaints
25 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
Seatbelt does not function properly, leaving slack in the belt so it does not hold driver in case of crash. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Normal everyday usage of seat belts. the front seat belts do not work any more they pull out but do not retract back. mitsubishi says to wipe the belt down with a damp cloth then dry off to remove dirt. this does not work now my front seatbelts do not work at all they stay fully extended and…
Normal everyday usage of seat belts. the front seat belts do not work any more they pull out but do not retract back. mitsubishi says to wipe the belt down with a damp cloth then dry off to remove dirt. this does not work now my front seatbelts do not work at all they stay fully extended and will not retract to provide any restraint in the event of an accident or any restraint at all for that matter. (related vehicle information: model year=1996, make=mitsubishi, model=3000gt). *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Seat belt doesn't retract properly to perform safely. It IS slack when it's supposed to be tight against my chest. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
I have a 96 mitsubishi 3000gt and my front seat belts do not retract after being put on or taken off. If I were to get into an accident they would do very little to protect me. I tried to see if mitsubishi would fix the problem but they said they are not covered under warranty. Just figured I would let some one know of this problem with the mitsubishi seat belts. *Jb
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR4 - driver's and passenger's seat belts do not retract after use. this has been an issue since I've owned the car - purchased in 07/2000. *Jb
- Seat belts
The seat belt system in my 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4 does not function properly. The belts do not return to their retracted state after use. Moreover, using the seat belt IS difficult because of the over-the-shoulder loop the belt passes thru causes the belt to be "tied up".*jb
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
I own a 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt that has had both front seatbelts fail to operate correctly. I have replaced these belt twice now and the problem seems to come back after a few months. I feel this IS a defect in the product that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer as a recall. This IS a serious safety defect.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The driver and passenger seat belts do not retract fully and do not lock in place. I feel this IS very unsafe if an accident were to occur. the seat belt IS only functional as a waist harness, because this renders the shoulder harness useless. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The driver side seat belt on my 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4 has problems retracting. If I lean forward, it won't automatically retract to pick up the slack. This has been happening ever since I purchased the car in may 2003. Since the belt won't automatically retract, I have to physically pull it…
The driver side seat belt on my 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4 has problems retracting. If I lean forward, it won't automatically retract to pick up the slack. This has been happening ever since I purchased the car in may 2003. Since the belt won't automatically retract, I have to physically pull it out, then let it go for it to take in all the slack. The problem hasn't been fixed because mitsubishi doesn't think it IS a problem. If it fails during an accident, my death could result. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Seat belts do not retract properly. *jb
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Transfer case seized up due to leak n transfercase. Manufacturer refuses to uphold recall and fix the problem. During seize up csr lostcontrol and spun out of control on I-25 luckly no one was injuerd but I still hold mitsubishi and dealers responsible. they still have yet to contact my lawyer. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My wife was driving our automatic 1996 3000gt at approx. 60 miles per hr when car surged forward 4 times in a row. She almost hit vehicle in front of her! Check engine light came on. She was less than a mile home and drove car very slowly home. Vehicles reverse no longer works at all!!! Car IS able…
My wife was driving our automatic 1996 3000gt at approx. 60 miles per hr when car surged forward 4 times in a row. She almost hit vehicle in front of her! Check engine light came on. She was less than a mile home and drove car very slowly home. Vehicles reverse no longer works at all!!! Car IS able to go into drive but will not shift out of first gear and will not go over 20 miles per hr now! Car has been towed to dealer but no word on what IS wrong with it yet.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at low speeds the transmission seized. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide any additional information. *nm
- Wheels › Rim
Bought car with 46,000 miles and all 4 rims had the chrome peeling off. The chrome peeling was extremely bad from the back of the rim but the front shows major signs of peeling. I cut my fingers/hand multiple times changing the tire. *la
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The consumer noticed while traveling 50-55 mph when depressing the gas pedal to gain speed, the pedal became stuck which resulted in a crash. *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I own a 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4 with a 6 speed manual transmission. my friend, brian watson and I were traveling eastbound on highway 20, just about 50 miles east of bend, or. I made an attempt to shift from 5TH to 6TH gear, but because of some problems with what I now understand to be the…
I own a 1996 mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4 with a 6 speed manual transmission. my friend, brian watson and I were traveling eastbound on highway 20, just about 50 miles east of bend, or. I made an attempt to shift from 5TH to 6TH gear, but because of some problems with what I now understand to be the sycros, it went into 4TH gear. not noticing it was in 4TH gear because I had shifted it into the position of 6TH, I let out the clutch and pressed the accelerator. shortly after, I heard this pop. I looked down and noticed the rpm's were past the red line, this IS when I figured out that the car was in 4TH gear. I shifted it back into 5TH gear and began to slow down, concerned about the pop sound I had heard. I asked brian, if he had heard it and he told me no. I asked him if he was sure he didn't hear it, he told me no, so I kept driving. shortly after, I started hearing clanking sounds coming from what sounded like the transmission. The engine stopped, the vehicle started slowing down rapidly. I immediately pulled over off the pavement onto the gravel on the side of the road. I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of the car. I'm worried that my car IS about to catch on fire. I began pouring the water onto the transmission, which was boiling the water at this point, but it seemed to be enough to stop the engine area from smoking. later I found out that the transaxle was bad and that it costs $4414.29 new, plus $696.00 for labor. I asked if they could get the transaxle replaced considering the drive train has a 60,000-mile warranty on it and my mileage IS only 66,000-miles. The local dealership said no and so did the person that made the decision after I called mitsubishi. so I am writing in hopes that you might be able to assist me in this matter. The transaxle should not have shifted into the wrong gear, it also should have not exploded because it was in above red line.*jb
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
While driving at 80 mph the vehicle transfer case failed. this caused the rear wheels to lock up resulting in consumer losing control of vehicle. please provide more details. ts
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission locked up on vehicle leaving the vehicle in 3RD gear, therefore keeping vehicle from manuevering and driving properly. Was reason for potential accident. ts
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The vehicle IS leaking transmission fluid and while shifting gear the vehicle are hard. the dealership IS aware of the problem.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
This IS my 2ND tranny because the first tranny was grinding from a 1ST to 2ND gear. the problem was the 1-2 gear synchro that got worn out due to the manufacturer's poor design. upon failure at 55mph, the car suddenly stopped and the transmission and transfer case locked up. the bay ride…
This IS my 2ND tranny because the first tranny was grinding from a 1ST to 2ND gear. the problem was the 1-2 gear synchro that got worn out due to the manufacturer's poor design. upon failure at 55mph, the car suddenly stopped and the transmission and transfer case locked up. the bay ride mitsubishi dealership asked me to replace to a new transmission which cost me $3000. I did and the car ran fine for the first 15K miles then the shifting became notchy and that's when my transfer case gave up and I bought a new one and installed it myself. something ought to be done about mitsubishi's poor transmission design.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Constant leaking front transfer case. dealer refuses to work on component and has stated that "transmission" has been overfilled. car has sit in the driveway for the past 3 weeks without being driven. Transfer case IS now empty of fluid.*ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
This IS the third transmission that I've had put in my car, and I've only owned the car for two years. First transmission went, and was replaced. One month later I had to go back in because of the transfer case had gone bad. And now, a year later, my synchros are going out already. In about three…
This IS the third transmission that I've had put in my car, and I've only owned the car for two years. First transmission went, and was replaced. One month later I had to go back in because of the transfer case had gone bad. And now, a year later, my synchros are going out already. In about three months, I beleive I will need a new transmition, once again. It's an ongoing cycle. Or a way for the company to make lots of money, for our transmitions are very expensive.this IS the third transmition that I've had put in my car, and I've only owned the car for two years. First transmition went, and was replaced. One month later I had to go back in because of the transfer case had gone bad. And now, a year later, my synchros are going out already. In about three months, I beleive I will need a new transmition, once again. It's an ongoing cycle. Or a way for the company to make lots of money, for our transmitions are very expensive.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission was under warranty at the time. First the hub went out on the transimission betweent the first and second synchro. About 50 miles after I had the new tranny put in, the transfer case went bad.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When using the power button to pass another vehicle, accelerator pedal stuck to the floor and the car accelerated to (90) mph . Shutting the power button off or stepping on the brake, did not disengage the pedal. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Driver experiences severe vehicle vibration while driving over 60 mph, independent tire dealer said frame was bent which causes severe vibrations. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Transfer case lockup
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 100037575-Speed transfer case assembly identification.
- 10002357Obd-ii drive cycle.
- 10000696New and revised information relating to readiness test status descriptions and procedures.
- 6088731This bulletin contains recommended automatic transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 6088726This bulletin contains recommended manual transmission / transaxle maintenance information.
- 634695Subject regarding getrag transfer cases.
- 614011This bulletin contains obd-ii drive cycle procedures and warranty claim information for obd-ii drive cycle on affected vehicles.
- 609771The corrections to starter relay troubleshooting instructions service manual. Yd
- 601995Updated repair policies & procedures for spyder retractable hardtops.
- 601990Vehicles may experience long cold start times, sag during warm-up, and stalling.
- 600571Information about improved automatic transaxle end clutch.
- 54302Information containing new and revised procedures for adjusting headlight aim on affected vehicles.
- 54299Service manual revision on supplemental restraint system (srs) cautions and warnings.
- 54032Information containing additional glass antenna cautions and inspection procedures.
- 53047Describing how to reprogram the homelink transmitter.
- 52630Throttle body procedures - service manual revision.
- 52629Corrected cylinder head bolt tightening procedures - service manual revision.
- 52626Egr and purge solenoid locations - service manual revision.
- 52620Mut-ii scan tool warranty.
- 52612Generator stator removal (3000gt and 1997 mirage) - service manual revision.
- 520913000Gt spyder water leak test procedures.
- 52073Additional srs air bag troubleshooting procedures- service manual revision.
- 52060New valve lash adjuster noise checking and troubleshooting procedures.
- 50619Flipper door spring replacement.
- 50606Additional manual transaxle shift lever operational inspection - service manual revision.
Every Mitsubishi 3000GT model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.