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#BS-1988-MITPRE-6DD81988 Mitsubishi PrecisProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 3 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 8, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 3 complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, and 3 recalls.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
1 owners reported power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl) issues — failures commonly reported around 86K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) (1 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
1988 Mitsubishi Precis: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) Issues
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) complaints account for 33% of all reports filed for the 1988 Mitsubishi Precis, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 85,780 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 86K-mile mark.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System Issues
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System complaints account for 33% of all reports filed for the 1988 Mitsubishi Precis, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core Issues
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core complaints account for 33% of all reports filed for the 1988 Mitsubishi Precis, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DETERIORATION OF THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY PORTION OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE REEDS TO THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY MAY RUST, AND IF THE RUSTING BECOMES SEVERE, THE SCREW HEADS WILL ERODE AND ALLOW THE REEDS TO SEPARATE FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY. CORROSION MAY ALSO OCCUR ON THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY, DEFORMING THE REED SEATS AND PREVENTING THE REEDS FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. SEPARATION OF THE REEDS FROM THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY OR IMPROPER CLOSING OF THE REEDS ALLOW HOT EXHAUST GASES TO FLOW BACKWARD INTO THE PLASTIC SECONDARY AIR FILTER CASE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THESE HOT EXHAUST GASES MAY MELT THE SECONDARY PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE THOSE THAT HAD THE HEATER VALVE STEMS REPLACED IN AN EARLIER MITSUBISHI RECALL (94V-103.001). CERTAIN VEHICLES HAD AN INCORRECT VALVE STEM INSTALLED WHICH COULD CAUSE THE INCORRECT STEM TO LEAK AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
HEATER CORE FAILURE
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
1988 Mitsubishi Precis vs. Class Average (Subcompact Cars)
This vehicle
3
Class avg
18
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical subcompact cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 3 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 13, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 8, 2026.
Other Mitsubishi Precis Model Years
View all Mitsubishi Precis years →1988 Mitsubishi Precis: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 3 owner reports. Know before you buy.