Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 1997 Mitsubishi 3000gt. While driving 60 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. She was able to move the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the garage for diagnostic testing which indicated that the transmission transfer case wasn't sealed properly causing the fluid to leak. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer in April of 2003 for recall 02V143001 power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive), but the vehicle was not serviced. The manufacturer stated that the recall was performed; therefore they will not offer any assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 180,000.
At 85mph the whole car locked up due to seized diffrential case - car spun out of control and off of the highway with out warning. This is the second time this car has had sudden powertrain failure resulting in loss of control - while on the highway with the cruise control set.
While driving at low speeds the transmission seized. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership was notified but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide any additional information.
I own a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000gt vr-4 with a 6 speed manual transmission. My friend, brian watson and I were traveling eastbound on highway 20, just about 50 miles east of bend, or. I made an attempt to shift from 5th to 6th gear, but because of some problems with what I now understand to be the sycros, it went into 4th gear. Not noticing it was in 4th gear because I had shifted it into the position of 6th, I let out the clutch and pressed the accelerator. Shortly after, I heard this pop. I looked down and noticed the RPM's were past the red line, this is when I figured out that the car was in 4th gear. I shifted it back into 5th gear and began to slow down, concerned about the pop sound I had heard. I asked brian, if he had heard it and he told me no. I asked him if he was sure he didn't hear it, he told me no, so I kept driving. …
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.
Related recalls (1)
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi 3000GT years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (23), 1997 (12) and 1996 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi 3000GT transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 02V143001 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 14, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi 3000GT transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles; 0% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (18 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (12).
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.