1986 Mitsubishi Starion
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Mitsubishi Starion is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.
1986 Mitsubishi Starion at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1986 Mitsubishi Starion recalls 1
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.
Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SU…
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.
1986 Mitsubishi Starion common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1986 Mitsubishi Starion MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 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 1986 Mitsubishi Starion costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA95004 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1995 · closed Aug 1995An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 5
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.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Bulletin TT253 · Equipment · Nov 2019This 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 2019This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Bulletin TT237 · Equipment · Feb 2018This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
Bulletin TSB-13-42A-002 · Structure · Jan 2013VALVE LASH ADJUSTER PROCEDURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TW
Bulletin TSB9711003 · May 1997Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the STARION. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Mitsubishi Starion
The Mitsubishi Starion is a sports car which was manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1982 until 1989 — with badge engineered variants marketed in North America as the Conquest, under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth brands. It is a two-door coupé with a fastback design and seating for four passengers. The Starion's straight-four engine is mounted in the front and drives the rear wheels, with some models being turbocharged.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.