Mitsubishi Spyder Problems by Year

We compared every Mitsubishi Spyder model year from 1996–2003 using 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2001, which drew far more complaints than other Spyder years at the same age. The best years are 1996.

3model years
22complaints
2recalls
2001worst years
1996best years

Complaints by model year

1996200120032137
Owner complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Spyder. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20037typical—Window & WiperAverage
2001132.3×—Wheel & TireCaution
19962−67%2BodyGood

* Complaints compared with the median Spyder year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mitsubishi Spyder problems

  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2001
    1045%
  • Body & structureworst: 1996
    523%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    29%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2001
    29%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2003
    29%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2001
    15%
  • Lightsworst: 2003
    15%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2003
    15%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2003
    15%

Latest Mitsubishi Spyder recalls

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

NHTSA recall 00V421001 · Dec 18, 2000 · 567,432 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints.

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

NHTSA recall 99V066001 · Apr 5, 1999 · 307,000 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rubber boots, and if the boot is damaged, they will replace the lower lateral arm and ball joint on the affected vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mitsubishi Spyder should you avoid?

2001 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Spyder years at the same age, led by wheels & tires problems in the 2001.

What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Spyder?

1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other Spyder years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mitsubishi Spyder problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (10), body & structure (5) and engine & cooling (2). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 2001 model year.

How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Spyder had?

2 recalls across 1996–2003. The model year with the most is 1996.

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.