Model year guide

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints25
Combined18–19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt recalls 1

Power Train:transfer Case (4-wheel Drive) NHTSA Campaign #02V143001 · manufacturer #SR-02-003 · 14/05/2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.

Fix: 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 BEG…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Child Seat
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt MPG & running costs

Combined18–19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,483
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume82 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,417 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,415
Fuel only$22,415
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP Closed

NHTSA #PE02013 · Wheels · opened Jan 2002 · closed Jun 2002

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 39

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 39.

This 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.

Bulletin TSB-22-54-003 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2022

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT253 · Equipment · Nov 2019

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.

Bulletin TSB-19-00-008 · Equipment · Jul 2019

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT237 · Equipment · Feb 2018

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT218 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Wheels, Power Train · Aug 2015

This 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.

Bulletin TSB-15-54-004 · Equipment · Jul 2015

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT217 · Seats, Power Train, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2015

This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.

Bulletin TTIndex12 · Equipment · Mar 2013

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT195 · Wheels, Steering, Power Train · Mar 2013

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

Bulletin TT194 · Power Train, Electrical System, Back Over Prevention · Feb 2013

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 3000GT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Mitsubishi 3000gt

The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a front-engine, all-wheel/front-wheel drive grand touring/sports car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1990 until 2000 over three different series. Manufactured in a three-door hatchback coupé body style in Nagoya, Japan, the 2+2 four-seaters were marketed in the Japanese domestic market as the GTO, and globally as 3000GT. In North America, it was sold both as the Mitsubishi 3000GT (1991–1999) and the Dodge Stealth (1991–1996), a badge engineered, mechanically identical captive import. As a collaborative effort between Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors, Chrysler was responsible for the Stealth's exterior styling.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt trims & engines on record

Trims
Sports
Engines
3.0L

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt vehicles on record

Other Mitsubishi 3000gt model years

1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt?

Across all 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, seat belts, equipment.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt get?

The 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.