NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Most complaints involve seat belts (6) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I HAVE A 1999 MISTUBSIHI 3000GT VR4 AND THE SEAT BELT TENSION SPRINGS DO NOT RETRACT OR LOCK-UP LIKE I BELEIVE THEY SHOULD. MY CAR HAS DONE THIS SINCE PURCHASED IN 2003, AND I'VE HAD AN INCEDENT WHERE THE LOCK SHOULD HAVE ENGAGED WHEN HARD BREAKING, BUT THE BELT DID NOT. ALSO, WHEN I EXIT THE VEHICLE I NEED TO FEED THE BELT BACK INTO THE SLOT BECAUSE THE SPRING IS TOO WEAK TO PULL IT IN LIKE EVERY OTHER CAR I'VE OWNED. MANY OTHER 3000GT OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH BELT SPRINGS FAILING IN CAR CLUBS FOR THE 3000GT. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS SAFETY HAZARD WITH MITSUBISHI.*AK”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4 MODEL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE WHEELS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP AS IF IT HAD BEEN REAR ENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V143001 (POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4WHEEL DRIVE)) HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED AT 50,000 MILES. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR AGAIN. THE CONTACT FELT AS IF HE HAD WHIPLASH IN HIS NECK AND BACK, BUT HE HAS NOT YET SEEN A DOCTOR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,000.”
“MITSUBISHI HAS MADE RECALLS ON THE '99 3000GT CONCERNING THE OIL ENGINE TRANSFER IN THE CRANK CASE IN THERE VR ENGINES; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STEMS IN MOST 3000GT ENGINES INCLUDING MINE. THEY DENY THAT RESULT. WHEN CRANKING, THE ENGINE DOESN'T CONTAIN OIL WHICH HAS DRAINED BACK INTO THE OIL PAN.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| 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 | $3,150 | 468 |
| 3000 GT Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,150 | 468 |
| 3000 GT Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,350 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, DOHC · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,350 | 494 |
| 3000 GT Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, DOHC TURBO · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 13, 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.
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seat belts (6), power train (2), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).