Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.
Research · Subcompact Cars
1996 Mitsubishi 3000GTRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints for the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Most complaints involve power train (11) and seat belts (10). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2002
Owner complaints
25
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
25 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 1996 – Aug 2008
- Power train11
- Seat belts10
- Equipment2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Child seat1
- Wheels1
- Structure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
11 reports
“TRANSFER CASE SEIZED UP DUE TO LEAK N TRANSFERCASE. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO UPHOLD RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. DURING SEIZE UP CSR LOSTCONTROL AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL ON I-25 LUCKLY NO ONE WAS INJUERD BUT I STILL HOLD MITSUBISHI AND DEALERS RESPONSIBLE. THEY STILL HAVE YET TO CONTACT MY LAWYER. *AK”
Seat belts
10 reports
“NORMAL EVERYDAY USAGE OF SEAT BELTS. THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK ANY MORE THEY PULL OUT BUT DO NOT RETRACT BACK. MITSUBISHI SAYS TO WIPE THE BELT DOWN WITH A DAMP CLOTH THEN DRY OFF TO REMOVE DIRT. THIS DOES NOT WORK NOW MY FRONT SEATBELTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL THEY STAY FULLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT TO PROVIDE ANY RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR ANY RESTRAINT AT ALL FOR THAT MATTER. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1996, MAKE=MITSUBISHI, MODEL=3000GT). *TR”
Equipment
2 reports
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 GT Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| 3000 GT Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Spyder Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Spyder Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1996 3000GT questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), seat belts (10), equipment (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026