Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000gt. While driving approximately 80 MPH, the wheels on the vehicle seized. The vehicle was towed to vern eide Honda sioux city at 4625 singing hills blvd, sioux city, ia 51106 where they informed the contact that the vehicle was unable to be repaired per a recall and would cost $200 to repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was too old to be repaired per the recall. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V143001 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000gt. While driving 45 MPH, the transmission failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the battery had to be replaced five times within months and an unknown window failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Dt: the contact complained about transmission problems. The previous owner had the transmission rebuilt on October 4, 2003. Later, the transmission was again rebuilt. The contact was having problems again with the transmission when the vehicle was totaled in an accident.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000gt. While driving 68 MPH, the transfer case (driveshaft) on the vehicle shut down and caused the wheels to lock in the middle of traffic. The failure almost caused a serious crash on the highway. The current and failure mileages were 109,000.
Regarding NHTSA recall id: 02V143001 for the transfer case on the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000gt vr-4. My car's transfer case began leaking about 100 miles ago. Through my car club I was informed that there was a safety recall issued on this and to call the dealer. I called the dealer to see when I could schedule my repair and they asked for my VIN#. When they ran the VIN# they found out that the previous car owner took the car in dec. Of 2002 and the transfer case passed inspection so the safety recall was no longer available for my car. I then called Mitsubishi of north America and they told me they were no longer liable for this repair. I went back to my car club and found out from several members that they had the recall done several times with little or no hassle from Mitsubishi. They suggested I contact you and file a complaint. …
The transmission leaks fluid. This is the 2nd transmission for this car (which was installed May 1999 and 25,000 miles ago). I would guess the leaking started within the last month. The original transmission developed leaks and was replaced May 1999. The car had 56,300 original miles at that time. The car now has 81,000 miles and today it was confirmed that this replacement transmission is now leaking. The replacement transmission was purched from Mitsubishi and paid for by an extended warranty. This 2nd transmission has been in use for about 2.25 years and 25,000 miles. Transmission fluid both time has leaked into the clutch causing it to slip.
The transmission of the vr4 has been the achilles heel of the car. It is absurd that Mitsubishi does not provide replacement parts but instead chooses to only provide replacement transmissions. A way for them to make more money. Replacement parts would cost a lot less than a $4000 transmission replacement! I am extremely unhappy with their lack of action in this matter. Thier position seems to be purely profit driven.
Consumer states transmission is slipping and there is irregular shifting. Dealer was not able to find a cut out replacement transmission because consumer's vehicle is a turbo, resulting in a purchase of a new transmission. Consumer received an extended warranty notification letter, however, warranty program excludes turbo engines.
Complete transmission locked up. Complete replacement required for $2700.00. When taken for repair, repairman dismantled 2 other transmissions with the same problem. Possible defect? Repairman had to order new parts. Automobile only had 47,114 miles. Low mileage for major transmission breakdown.
Manual transmission fails to go into 1, 3, 5 and reverse. Must be forced into gear or shifted to 4th before smoothly entering other gears. Dangerous when accelerating onto highway, driver must ride clutch until gear can be obtained. Transmission has been replaced but problem still present.
Related recalls
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
On certain passenger vehicles, a condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case.
Remedy: 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…
Transmission complaints in other 3000GT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT, 41% of the model year's 56 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V143001 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 14, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.