1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT

▲ Better than typical
1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:31.333Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
35
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

34% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 62 complaints 1991 1992: 115 complaints 1993: 67 complaints 1993 1994: 73 complaints 1995: 56 complaints 1995 1996: 25 complaints 1997: 35 complaints 1997 35 1998: 15 complaints 1999: 12 complaints 1999 2001: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1991: 62 complaints 1991 1992: 115 complaints 1992 1993: 67 complaints 1993 1994: 73 complaints 1994 1995: 56 complaints 1995 1996: 25 complaints 1996 1997: 35 complaints 1997 35 1998: 15 complaints 1998 1999: 12 complaints 1999 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1991: 62 complaints 1991 1992: 115 complaints 1992 1993: 67 complaints 1993 1994: 73 complaints 1994 1995: 56 complaints 1995 1996: 25 complaints 1996 1997: 35 complaints 1997 35 1998: 15 complaints 1998 1999: 12 complaints 1999 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1997: 35 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19870
19880
19890
19900
199162
1992115
199367
199473
199556
199625
199735
199815
199912
20011
20021

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

34% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and front.

Power train

34% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and manual transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-18

OEM transfer case leak . Causing the internal components to overheat and cease up while vehicle is in motion on interstate . Resulting in all 4 wheels locking up and going into an out-of-control state .

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

A leak was coming from transfer case. Dealer has not been contacted. Please provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04

Wheels

20% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing rim.

Service brakes

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Visibility

3% · 1 report

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2002-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-06-03 Transfer case lockup
  2. R
    2002-12-09Power train02V143001 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…

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V143001 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.