1986 Mitsubishi Mighty MAX
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 10 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
DEVELOPING EXPANSION CRACK IN COLLECTOR OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD OF THE 1986 2.0L MITSUBISHI MIGHT MAX PU. THIS IS DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF MATERIALS DURING PRODUCTION AND WHEN REPAIRED, IT IS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE UNIT OF THE SAME NATURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050203
86 MITSUBISHI MIGHTY MAX PU:EXHAUST MANIFOLD:CRACKS DEVELOPED IN CASTING. CO INTO ENGINE/PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSES FIRE/CO POISONING TO DRIVER/PASSENGER. COMPLAINT: QUESTION ARE THEY ONLY REQUIRED TO REPAIR ONCE WITH SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS?
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
THE EXHAUST SYSTEM; THERE IS BLACK SMOKE FUMES COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PURCHASE TRUCK USED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950109
2 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
(404-941-3893H) DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEATBELT HARNESS WILL NOT STAY FASTEN INTO LATCH MECHANISM. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
1 of 7 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
DEVELOPING EXPANSION CRACK IN COLLECTOR OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD OF THE 1986 2.0L MITSUBISHI MIGHT MAX PU. THIS IS DUE TO IMPROPER CASTING OF MATERIALS DURING PRODUCTION AND WHEN REPAIRED, IT IS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE UNIT OF THE SAME NATURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050203
1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
THIS ENGINE (1983-1986 - 1997CU.IN./2.0L SOHC L4 G63B) PRODUCED BY MITSUBISHI CORPORATION WAS FITTED WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS CREATED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130217
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRYING TO START MY TRUCK SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE SOLDER CONNECTION ON THE IGNITION SWITCH MELTED THE SOLDER CONNECTION OF THE WIRE AND THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990418
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A
Campaign 95V103004 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Mitsubishi Mighty MAX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103004 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 Mitsubishi Mighty MAX reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mitsubishi Mighty MAX?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mitsubishi Mighty MAX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.