Mitsubishi Mighty MAX Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Mitsubishi Mighty MAX (1986–1992) that have at least 5 complaints. 1991 has the most, with 10. Across all years, the part named most often is seat belts (17 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Mighty MAX model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 9 | 83,531 | 0 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 10 | 132,500 | 1 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 7 | — | 1 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | 131,000 | 1 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 1 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Seat belts17 39%
- Engine cooling7 16%
- Electrical system7 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain5 11%
- Tires4 9.1%
- Other or unknown2 4.5%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.3%
- Fuel system1 2.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1992: “While driving 30 MPH, the consumer depressed the pedal and it traveled to floor. The consumer down shifted for the vehicle to come to a stop. The consumer inspected the vehicle, and noticed that the brake line had rusted, causing brake fluid to leak. The ABS had rusted in the area where the lines ran between the frame of the vehicle and the exhaust pipe/muffler.”
NHTSA complaint #10079568, filed 2004-08, 83,562 miles1991: “Tire treads are separating/cracking in between the treads. Not a failure yet, but I don't think this is normal or safe, and just want it to be known in case others are having the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10231096, filed 2008-06, 80,000 miles1986: “This engine (1983-1986 - 1997cu.in./2.0l sohc l4 g63b) produced by Mitsubishi corporation was fitted with exhaust manifolds created with inferior materials. These materials were used to create the exhaust manifolds for these motors under normal use, develop cracks. The cracks would emit high temperature carbon monoxide (co) exhaust fumes into the engine compartment, and the driver & passenger compartment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498419, filed 2013-02Other Mitsubishi models
2,131 complaintsMitsubishi Galant
1,781 complaintsMitsubishi Outlander
1,323 complaintsMitsubishi Lancer
861 complaintsMitsubishi Montero
770 complaintsMitsubishi Mirage
689 complaintsMitsubishi Diamante
502 complaintsMitsubishi Outlander Sport
473 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology