1988 Mitsubishi PRECIS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
85,780 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1988 model year. Data updated: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 3 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | 1 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 1 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core | 1 |
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl): 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System: 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
1995: 2; 2003: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10033316 · 2003-08-22 (August 22, 2003)
GEAR SHIFT ROD ON MY 1988 MITSUBISHI PRECIS BROKE OFF FROM THE GEAR SHIFT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 85,780 miles reported. Look up ODI 10033316 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 486804 · 1995-05-31 (May 31, 1995)
HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. (94V-103001) *AW
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 486804 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 964832 · 1995-05-04 (May 4, 1995)
HEATER CORE VALVE STEMS FAILED, RESULTING IN A FIRE PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (95V-059). *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 964832 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
91V225000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
Reported: 1991-12-31 (December 31, 1991)
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.
Consequence: THE MELTING PLASTIC AIR FILTER CASE MAY LEAD TO A FIREIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE REED VALVE SUBASSEMBLY WITH ONE WHOSE METAL COMPONENTS ARE FABRICATED FROM CORROSION RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL.
NHTSA campaign record ↗94V103001 · Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core
Reported: 1994-10-04 (October 4, 1994)
THE HEATER CONTROL VALVE STEM DOES NOT MEET THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE STEM TO LEAK.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE VALVE STEMS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗95V059000 · Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core
Reported: 1995-03-22 (March 22, 1995)
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.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A BURN INJURY TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S FEET AND LEGS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT VALVE STEMS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
3 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Manual Transmission | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 2100.0% | 150.0% | 1100.0%ODI 713377VEHICLE IS MAKING A FLAPPING NOISE UNDERNEATH. IT WAS TAKEN TO TWO TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS AND ONE GARAGE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. THERE IS MOST LIKELY PARTS WEARING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION SO I AM HAVING IT WORKED ON BY ATECH TRANSMISSION SPECIALISTS, EAST AURORA, NEW YORK ON 10/21/99. I CONSIDER MY VEHICLE TO BE OF LOW MILEAGE FOR THE VEHICLE NEEDING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0% | 150.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 486804HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. (94V-103001) *AW | 120.0%ODI 980638TRIED TO GET RECALL REMEDIED AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DID NOT EXIST AND THEY WILL NOT SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR HIM EVEN THOUGH HE HAS A LETTER. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 481172BATTERY FAILED 5 TIMES, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING. *SKD | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 481172BATTERY FAILED 5 TIMES, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING. *SKD | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 852891TRANSMISSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE AND BECOME NOISY, WHICH MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. DEALER HAD REPLACED ENGINE. BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK VEHICLE MAKES A TICKING NOISE WHILE BEING DRIVEN, VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH. STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES, 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES HAVE GONE FLAT. VEHICLE AT TIMES WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR WOULD LURCH FORWARD. *SLC | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 971047CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IT WAS REED SWITCH . TT | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0% | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | Too few reports for a range | 85,780 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10033316 · 85,780 miGEAR SHIFT ROD ON MY 1988 MITSUBISHI PRECIS BROKE OFF FROM THE GEAR SHIFT. *AK |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1993: 2 complaints · 1994: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | — | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 0 | — | 0 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.