1990 Mitsubishi Precis Problems & Reliability

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for those quirky, under-the-radar cars from the past. Today, we’re diving into the world of the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis—a compact car that might not have been the star of the show back in the day, but certainly has its own charm. Whether you’re reminiscing about your first ride or just curious about automotive history, this little hatchback has a story worth telling. We’ll be exploring some of the common problems owners faced and taking a closer look at its overall reliability. So, buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane with the Precis! Now, let’s be real: the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis wasn’t exactly known for being a powerhouse or a luxury ride. It was more of a practical, budget-friendly option for those who needed a simple set of wheels to get from point A to point B. But like any car, it had its fair share of quirks and issues. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, the Precis kept its owners on their toes. Despite these challenges, many drivers found it to be a reliable companion, especially when properly maintained. So, if you’re considering picking up a vintage Precis or just want to know more about its legacy, stick around as we delve into the nitty-gritty of this classic compact car.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Coolant leak from right side of dash

Analysis:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis seems to have a common issue with a coolant leak from the right side of the dash, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might indicate a faulty heater core or related components, which could lead to more significant issues if not addressed promptly. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the car is unreliable overall, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Manual Transmission Shifting Difficulty

Analysis:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis seems to have some issues with manual transmission shifting difficulty, which can be a bit of a hassle for drivers who prefer a smooth gear change. While this problem doesnt affect every vehicle, its something to keep in mind if youre considering this model. Overall, the Precis is a decent car for its age, but the transmission issue is worth checking out before making a purchase.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • The engine may be slow to warm up

Analysis:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis is generally a reliable car, but one common issue is that the engine can be slow to warm up. This might not be a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you live in a colder climate. Overall, with regular maintenance, the Precis tends to hold up well over time.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Stalling when shifting automatic transmission into reverse

Analysis:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis has been known to experience stalling issues when shifting the automatic transmission into reverse, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might not be super common, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car. Overall, while the Precis has its quirks, addressing this specific issue can help improve its reliability.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Driveability Issues Due to Faulty ECM Ground

Analysis:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis has been known to experience driveability issues due to a faulty ECM ground, which can lead to erratic engine performance and stalling. This problem can be a bit of a headache for owners, as it affects the overall reliability of the vehicle. While it’s a fixable issue, it does highlight some of the challenges in maintaining an older car like the Precis.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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