RoadVitals

1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
35
Latest Feb 24, 2014
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Seat belts1230.8%
  • Other / unspecified717.9%
  • Tires & wheels410.3%
  • Brakes25.1%
  • Powertrain (other)12.6%
  • Steering12.6%
  • Suspension12.6%
  • Engine12.6%
  • Electrical12.6%
  • Visibility12.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SEAT BELT RETRACTORS STOP WORKING OVER TIME, CAUSING EXTREME SLACK ON THE SEAT BELT. THERE IS NO TIGHTNESS LEFT ON SEAT BELT, EVEN WHEN WEARING WHILE DRIVING. IF A CRASH WERE TO OCCUR, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO IT'S JOB. *TR

NHTSA ID 10401468 · filed May 18, 2011

I OWN A 1997 MITSUBISHI 3000GT AND THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR THE DRIVES AND PASSENGER SIDE FAIL TO RETRACT. THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM IS TO REMOVE THE SEATBELT WHILE DRIVING AND MANUALLY FEED THE BELT BACK INTO THE SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10200648 · filed Aug 24, 2007
All 12 reports naming seat belts

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING AT THE TIME THAT I PURCHASED THIS CAR. THE DEALER WHO I HAD INSPECT THE CAR TOLD ME THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, WHICH IT EVENTUALLY WAS. HOWEVER, I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THESE TRANSMISSION FAIL ON A VERY WIDESPREAD BASIS, WHICH I WAS NOT TOLD. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE CAUGHT MY PROBLEM WITH JUST 3 MONTHS LEFT ON THE WARRANTY. NO DOUBT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY. THE MFG. ALSO CREATED THESE TRANSMISSIONS IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THEY CAN NOT BE REPAIRED, ONLY REPLACED. IT WOULD HAVE COST ME $6000 TO REPLACE THIS HAD I NOT NOTICED IT UNTIL 3 MORE MONTHS HAD GONE BY. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. DT

NHTSA ID 769289 · filed Nov 5, 2002

OEM TRANSFER CASE LEAK . CAUSING THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT AND CEASE UP WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE . RESULTING IN ALL 4 WHEELS LOCKING UP AND GOING INTO AN OUT-OF-CONTROL STATE .*AK

NHTSA ID 766765 · filed Sep 5, 2002
All 8 reports naming transmission

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1997 MITSUBISHI GT 3000 - DEFECTIVE CHROME WHEELS FLAKE, PEEL AND WEAR INSIDE SO THAT A SEAL CANNOT BE MAINTAINED. CONSTANTLY, INFLATE TIRES WHERE OF A HORRIFIC SAFETY HAZARD. STRANDED WITH FLATS. EXPENSIVE CHROME WHEELS CAME STANDARD WITH THIS VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI HAS SO FAR ELECTED TO REPLACE ONLY ONE OF 4 WHEELS THAT HAVE SEVERE WEAR AND AFFECT RELIABILITY AND DRIVABLE OF THE CAR. *LA

NHTSA ID 10041790 · filed Oct 14, 2003

AIR LEAKING OCCURS IN 2 TIRES. MITS SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED TIRES & STATED THEY ARE FINE. THEY STATED THE PROBLEM IS AIR LEAKING AROUND THE 2 RIMS AND THAT SEALS ARE BREAKING, POSSIBLY DUE TO WHEEL CORROSION. THE PROBLEM IS WORSENING. THIS IS THE 2ND SET OF WHEELS. MITSUBISHI REPLACED ALL 4 WHEELS ONCE BEFORE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM--AT THAT TIME, AIR LEAKED OUT OF ALL 4 TIRES. MITSUBISHI STATES THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THIS SET OF WHEELS DUE TO VEHICLE AGE AND PROBABLY NO INVESTIGATION ALTHOUGH AT LEAST 9 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA WEBSITE ARE LOGGED ON THE SAME MAKE/MODEL. NOT SURE WHY ANYONE SHOULD EXPECT IT'S ACCEPTABLE TO NEED A 3RD SET OF RIMS FOR A 6-YEAR-OLD CAR. COINCIDENCE?

NHTSA ID 10000866 · filed Jan 9, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MITSUBISHI 3000GT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHICH INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE WASN'T SEALED PROPERLY CAUSING THE FLUID TO LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN APRIL OF 2003 FOR RECALL 02V143001 POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED; THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.

NHTSA ID 10348856 · filed Aug 11, 2010

MITSUBISHI HAS NOT HONORED THEIR RESPONSIBILITY ON THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 02V143001 FOR MY 1997 3000GT VR4. THE LOCAL ZONE REP HAS TURNED IT DONE WITHOUT A PERSONAL VISIT . I HAVE FORCED A MEETING WITH HIM FOR THURSDAY JAN 18TH BUT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS A WASTE OF MY TIME BY THE LOCAL DEALER. MY CAR HAD THE OIL LEAK AND AFTER RUNNING DRY I HAVE HAD DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFER CASE LEAVING THE CAR IN AN UNSAFE CONDITION. MOST DISTURBING WAS THE FACT THAT THE DEALER TOLD MY 18 YEAR OLD SON IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOME. IF THE GEARS HAD LOCKED UP HE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME PUT PRESSURE ON MITSUBISHI TO ACT RESPONSIBLY. *NM

NHTSA ID 10178888 · filed Jan 17, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER PICKED UP T CAR WITH 12,000 MILES, AND SLIGHT SHIMMY, TOOK TO DEALER, AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THEN, DEALER REPLACED BRAKES 17 TIMES SINCE OWNER HAS HAD THE CAR. IN ORDER TO STOP HAD TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO FLOOR, AND THEN IT SHAKES VERY BADLY. *AK

NHTSA ID 868414 · filed Aug 23, 2000

THIS CAR (NOT MY FIRST OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL) HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP CONSTANTLY. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MITSU REFUSES TO PAY FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS AND THAT DEALERS MUST PAY OUT OF POCKET. THEREFORE, CUSTOMERS ARE NOT RECEIVING THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT IS SAFE. FOR EXAMPLE - MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED BUT NOT THE FILTER! CONFLICTING REPORTS ON POOR BRAKE PADS LED TO MY REPLACING THEM OUT OF POCKET. $800 WORTH OF NEW TIRES DUE TO CONSISTENT FAILURE OF OE WHEELS (RUSTING IN A MATTER OF WEEKS). NOISY ENGINE WITH INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE - NOT FOUND IN PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF CAR. I BELIEVE THEY STRIPPED THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OUT OF THE 97 MODELS TO INCREASE PROFIT ON A POORLY SELLING MODEL. MANY MITSU OWNERS IN DAYTONA WANT CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST THIS DEALER, ALSO, FOR UNSAFE LEVELS OF SERVICE. AN INVESTIGATION MIGHT BE PRUDENT. I AM A SYSTEMS ENGINEER AND HUMAN FACTORS SPECIALIST (AIRCRAFT SAFETY BACKGROUND AND AUTOMOTIVE BACKGROUND - MS DEGREE. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY - JD POWERS SENT ME TO YOU. *AK

NHTSA ID 716315 · filed Dec 21, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 85MPH THE WHOLE CAR LOCKED UP DUE TO SEIZED DIFFRENTIAL CASE - CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WITH OUT WARNING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS CAR HAS HAD SUDDEN POWERTRAIN FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL - WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET.

NHTSA ID 730258 · filed Sep 5, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR IS WELL KEPT AND GARAGED AT NIGHT. IN NOVEMBER 2012, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC OF 20 YEARS THAT MY "TOTAL FRONT END" ON THE CAR NEEDED REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF GASKETS, AN OAL FLEX, RACK & PINION, AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB WITH THE EXPLANATION GIVEN THAT IT WAS "WORN OUT." NOW, THE STEERING IS A PROBLEM WITH STRANGE SOUNDS AND THE PERIODIC MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING. AN INSPECTION OF THAT DISCLOSED THAT NOW, THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE STEERING WHEEL" NEEDS REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CARS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THAT IS THE CASE FOR THIS CAR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES FOR THIS. I LOVE MY CAR BUT AM WONDERING WHY SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR (AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE) IS HAVING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS NOW. I WAS EVEN TOLD THAT THE SUSPENSION WILL BE ANOTHER FUTURE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURER PURPOSELY SEALED THEM WHEN THEY WERE MADE WHICH MAKES THEM IMPOSSIBLE TO SERVICE AND WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS NEVER TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED IT. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR THESE REPAIRS. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10565587 · filed Feb 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR IS WELL KEPT AND GARAGED AT NIGHT. IN NOVEMBER 2012, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC OF 20 YEARS THAT MY "TOTAL FRONT END" ON THE CAR NEEDED REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF GASKETS, AN OAL FLEX, RACK & PINION, AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB WITH THE EXPLANATION GIVEN THAT IT WAS "WORN OUT." NOW, THE STEERING IS A PROBLEM WITH STRANGE SOUNDS AND THE PERIODIC MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING. AN INSPECTION OF THAT DISCLOSED THAT NOW, THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE STEERING WHEEL" NEEDS REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CARS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THAT IS THE CASE FOR THIS CAR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES FOR THIS. I LOVE MY CAR BUT AM WONDERING WHY SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR (AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE) IS HAVING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS NOW. I WAS EVEN TOLD THAT THE SUSPENSION WILL BE ANOTHER FUTURE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURER PURPOSELY SEALED THEM WHEN THEY WERE MADE WHICH MAKES THEM IMPOSSIBLE TO SERVICE AND WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS NEVER TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED IT. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR THESE REPAIRS. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10565587 · filed Feb 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR IS WELL KEPT AND GARAGED AT NIGHT. IN NOVEMBER 2012, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE CAR AND WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC OF 20 YEARS THAT MY "TOTAL FRONT END" ON THE CAR NEEDED REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF GASKETS, AN OAL FLEX, RACK & PINION, AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB WITH THE EXPLANATION GIVEN THAT IT WAS "WORN OUT." NOW, THE STEERING IS A PROBLEM WITH STRANGE SOUNDS AND THE PERIODIC MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING. AN INSPECTION OF THAT DISCLOSED THAT NOW, THE "INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THE STEERING WHEEL" NEEDS REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I AM FINDING OUT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CARS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THAT IS THE CASE FOR THIS CAR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES FOR THIS. I LOVE MY CAR BUT AM WONDERING WHY SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR (AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE) IS HAVING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS NOW. I WAS EVEN TOLD THAT THE SUSPENSION WILL BE ANOTHER FUTURE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY MANUFACTURER PURPOSELY SEALED THEM WHEN THEY WERE MADE WHICH MAKES THEM IMPOSSIBLE TO SERVICE AND WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS NEVER TOLD TO ME WHEN I PURCHASED IT. PLEASE ADVISE IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR THESE REPAIRS. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10565587 · filed Feb 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BATTERY EXPLODED - DEALER SAYS HE HAS SEEN MANY EXPLODED MITSUBISHI BATTERIES

NHTSA ID 720405 · filed Mar 21, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS CAR (NOT MY FIRST OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL) HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP CONSTANTLY. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MITSU REFUSES TO PAY FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS AND THAT DEALERS MUST PAY OUT OF POCKET. THEREFORE, CUSTOMERS ARE NOT RECEIVING THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT IS SAFE. FOR EXAMPLE - MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED BUT NOT THE FILTER! CONFLICTING REPORTS ON POOR BRAKE PADS LED TO MY REPLACING THEM OUT OF POCKET. $800 WORTH OF NEW TIRES DUE TO CONSISTENT FAILURE OF OE WHEELS (RUSTING IN A MATTER OF WEEKS). NOISY ENGINE WITH INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE - NOT FOUND IN PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF CAR. I BELIEVE THEY STRIPPED THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OUT OF THE 97 MODELS TO INCREASE PROFIT ON A POORLY SELLING MODEL. MANY MITSU OWNERS IN DAYTONA WANT CLASS ACTION SUITS AGAINST THIS DEALER, ALSO, FOR UNSAFE LEVELS OF SERVICE. AN INVESTIGATION MIGHT BE PRUDENT. I AM A SYSTEMS ENGINEER AND HUMAN FACTORS SPECIALIST (AIRCRAFT SAFETY BACKGROUND AND AUTOMOTIVE BACKGROUND - MS DEGREE. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY - JD POWERS SENT ME TO YOU. *AK

NHTSA ID 716315 · filed Dec 21, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .