1996 Mitsubishi Spyder Problems & Complaints

Better than average67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Spyder at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 67% fewer than a typical Spyder model year at the same age, making the 1996 one of the better Spyder years. The most reported problem area is the body & structure (2 complaints). 2 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder problems

  • Body & structure
    2100%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mitsubishi Spyder 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).

Best Spyder years: 1996. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →

1996 Mitsubishi Spyder recalls (2)

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.

1996 Mitsubishi Spyder engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automaticFWD16 / 22 / 18
3.0L 6-cyl turbo6-speed manual4WD/AWD15 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Spyder rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Spyder at the same age. It is one of the best Spyder years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder?

The body & structure — 2 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › roof and pillars.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Mitsubishi Spyder, the most recent from December 18, 2000 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Spyder?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Mitsubishi Spyder years comparison.

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.