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
1998 Mitsubishi 3000GTRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 15 owner complaints for the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Most complaints involve wheels (4) and seat belts (3). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2002
Owner complaints
15
Top: wheels
Fuel cost / yr
$3,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
15 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 1998 – Jun 2014
- Wheels4
- Seat belts3
- Power train2
- Air bags1
- Electrical system1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
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 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Wheels
4 reports
“SEVERE TICK IN ENGINE EVEN AFTER DEALER CHANGED ALL LIFTERS. CHROME 17" FACTORY RIMS BREAK SEAL ON TIRES RESULTING IN NUMEROUS FLAT TIRES. *NM”
Seat belts
3 reports
“BOTH SEATBELTS IN THE FRONT OF MY 1998 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4 DO NOT RETRACT WHEN THERE IS SLACK IN THEM. *TR”
Power train
2 reports
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE'S TRANSFER CASE CHECKED BECAUSE OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE DEALER DID NOT CONDUCT A THOROUGH INSPECTION. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
7 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
- Regular Gasoline · 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 29, 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, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| 3000 GT Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| 3000 GT Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, DOHC-T/C · 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 | $3,550 | 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.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 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.
1998 3000GT questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 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 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are wheels (4), seat belts (3), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026