1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT Problems
- Complaints
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,500miles, 21 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission and all-wheel-drive transfer case problems, typically on high-mileage cars: the output shaft or internals break, gears grind, and the transfer case leaks or locks up and stops the wheels. Seat belt retraction is the second recurring theme, with many owners reporting slack belts across the whole run of these cars. Brake, wheel-lock and stalling complaints are fewer but appear in the sample.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and output shaft breakage
- 30 complaints (48%)
- median 80,500 mi at 15.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2018
Owners describe the output shaft in the transmission snapping or wearing, sometimes more than once, and gears grinding or the transaxle locking or punching a hole in the case. Several say dealers attributed the damage to the transfer case or blamed driving style, and many report that replacement parts are not sold separately, so the choice is a used unit or a complete new transmission. Reported from roughly 12,000 to 186,000 miles, with most complaints in the 60,000-90,000 mile range and several under 45,000.
Recall 02V143001Recall 93V033000
What to check: Ask for service records on the transmission and transfer case, and have a shop inspect the output shaft area and look for gear whine or grinding on a test drive. Confirm whether the transfer case recall work was done and on which unit.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My mother owns a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT vr4, since she isn't competent in using the computer I am sending this in for her. This model car has a common problem in the transaxle with the 18-spline shaft. This part of the car is considered the weak link. The shaft snapped while driving the car and almost caused an accident since it was on a highway with no shoulders to pull over on. Luckily there was not a lot of traffic and the car was able to change lanes and put the hazard lights on without incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10057149, filed 2004-02, 70,000 miles“I have a 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT vr4 twin turbo. I had to replace the 18 spline output shaft in the transmission. In 1993 (2 years after production), Mitsubishi realized that they made a flaw in the output shafts and went ot the 24 spline. I know of very many people that have had to pay out of pocket for this design flaw. Many have to replace it with another 18 spline due to the fact that the 24 spline conversion requires a whole new transmission casing ($$). Is there anything that NHTSA could do to help us with this?”
NHTSA complaint #10058819, filed 2004-02, 80,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transfer case leak or lock-up
- 16 complaints (26%)
- median 115,677 mi at 16.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2018
Complaints describe oil leaking from the all-wheel-drive transfer case and, in some cases, the unit seizing so that the rear wheels or all four wheels lock while driving. Owners report the vehicle was towed and that dealers either performed recall work already or declined repair, with some told the vehicle was not covered or that the recall had already been completed by a previous owner. Mostly reported between about 43,000 and 142,000 miles, on cars driven at highway speed as well as in normal turns.
Recall 02V143001Recall 93V033000
What to check: Check for fluid weeping around the transfer case and ask for proof that campaign 02V143001 or 93V033000 was completed, including which unit was serviced. Listen for whine or noise from the case on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Due to the failure of the transfer case , the rear wheels locked up. The consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The dealership was aware of the problem.. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10097125, filed 2004-10, 12,000 miles“Description of problem - getrag awd transfer case: the subject transfer case on my 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT vr4 is leaking. According to certified auto repair facilities, this leakage will eventually cause the unit to fail. If the vehicle is in motion at the time of failure, injury or death may occur as failure of the transfer case while the vehicle is moving will cause the wheels to lock up suddenly. As aresult, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #729314, filed 2000-08 - Seat belts
Seat belts do not retract
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 78,500 mi at 16.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2007
Owners report that front seat belts will not pull back into the reel, leaving slack that must be fed in by hand, and in some cases the belt will not release after locking. Complaints say dealers had no remedy or quoted replacement of the assembly, and several describe the problem as common across this model and its twin. Reported from about 20,000 to 158,000 miles, with many in the 70,000-120,000 mile range.
What to check: Pull each belt out fully and let it go; it should reel in without help, and the buckle release should work smoothly. Ask whether the buckle campaign 95V103004 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Seat belts in 1991 dodge stealth rt/tt did not retract! There was easily enough slack in seat belt for me to hit my head on the steering wheel. Makes me feel very uneasy about driving my car. Also, the srs light is on. They may be related.”
NHTSA complaint #10196724, filed 2007-07, 80,000 miles“On my 1991 dodge stealth r/t tt I have had numerous occasions of a slack in both of my seat belts. The seat belts do not retract properly at all. Most of the time the seat belts just hang loose and you have manually try and retract them (not easy). This is a huge problem with safety. If I was to get in a crash the seat belt would not be able to function properly. This is scary for my passengers and myself. It could cause death and needs attention. This is an on going problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169305, filed 2006-09, 158,000 miles
Buying note. These cars are old enough that condition and maintenance history matter more than the model year itself. Budget for a thorough driveline inspection and ask for documentation on the transfer case and brake hose campaigns before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT. 21 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,500 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts11 18%
- Brakes3 4.8%
- Engine cooling3 4.8%
- Air bags2 3.2%
- Other or unknown2 3.2%
- Vehicle speed control2 3.2%
- Wheels2 3.2%
- Electrical system1 1.6%
- Equipment1 1.6%
Also reported: Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My gt 3000 sl manual transmission problem the first gear synchro ar bad. Come to find out that you can not get parts, how can a company sell soemthing that you can't get parts for all you can do is buy a new transmission that has the same problems or salvage one that has the same problem. Getrag and Mitsubishi should fix there blunder”
NHTSA complaint #10118574, filed 2005-04, 60,000 milesSeat belts: “I have a 91 Mitsubishi 3000GT sl. The seat belts in it have a problem locking up and not releasing. The seat belts in my car do not function properly sometimes. When the seat belt is pulled on it does not retract, leaving enough slack in the belt that if an accident were to occur, it would not serve its purpose as a safety restraint. In my opinion this should be included in a lifetime warranty. Safety was an issue when building cars of these types so they should always be as safe as possible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162227, filed 2006-07, 155,000 milesBrakes: “While driving in a stop and go/bumper-to-bumper traffic vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward and hit another vehicle in front. No injuries were reported. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced vehicle's control unit. Transmission feels as if slipping gears. Transmission control unit was replaced. Shifter bushings replaced. Engine idled by itself. Isc motor replaced and throttle body cleaned. Left axle boot was rebuilt. Engine light was on. Ecu was replaced. Front end pulls left. Front and rear wheel alignment performed. Brakes pulsate when applied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10117773, filed 2005-06, 68,285 milesEngine cooling: “Information request regarding transmissions wearing prematurely/breaking on 1991-1993 Mitsubishi 3000 gt and dodge stealth. Also in reference to the Mitsubishi 3000GT vr4. The output shaft of the transmission wore prematurely. Recall#02v143001. Although the output shaft goes into the transfer case, it was not included in the recall unless the transfer case locked up and the shaft became damaged. The consumer found that the transmission had been changed a few years prior. Common problem with this vehicle. The consumer also had an exhaust pipe installed on the vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #10057709, filed 2004-02Mileage when problems were reported
14% of the 21 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 140,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 GT FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| 3000 GT FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| 3000 GT 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V143001May 14, 2002Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991–1999
On certain passenger vehicles, a condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case.
- 96V143002Aug 12, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991–1994, Diamante 1992–1994, Montero 1992–1994
Under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.
- 96V143001Jul 25, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991–1994, Diamante 1992–1994, Montero 1992–1994
Under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.
- 95V103004May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991, Mighty MAX 1986–1991, Montero 1986–1991 +7 more
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- 93V033000Mar 26, 1993Power train › DrivelineCovers: Mitsubishi 3000GT 1991
A condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all wheel drive transfer case. Low oil levels in the transfer case can cause bearing damage and failure.
Recall details for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95004Takata seat belt buckle failureClosed · Mar 10, 1995
- PE91054Power train lockupClosed · Feb 27, 1991
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019Equipment. This 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.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018Equipment. This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170852Jan 29, 2013Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi 3000GT
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 12 | 61,500 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 15 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 35 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 25 | 70,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 56 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 72 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 67 | 103,989 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 115 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 62 | 80,500 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Mitsubishi 3000GT model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission and all-wheel-drive transfer case problems, typically on high-mileage cars: the output shaft or internals break, gears grind, and the transfer case leaks or locks up and stops the wheels. The issues reported most often: Transmission and output shaft breakage; Transfer case leak or lock-up; Seat belts do not retract.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 43 complaints (69% of the total), followed by seat belts with 11.
Has the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT (3000 GT, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT reported?
Among the 21 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,500 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 140,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.