Mitsubishi 3000Gt Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead

Turbocharger failures are common due to age, lack of proper cooldown, and oil supply issues. Lifter tick is widespread on DOHC engines, though often not critical. Oil leaks from various seals and gaskets are prevalent, especially in the tight engine bay. Timing belt service is critical and expensive.

The Getrag 5-speed/6-speed manual transmissions are known for weak synchros, particularly in 2nd and 3rd gears, leading to grinding. The transfer case on AWD models is a significant weak point, prone to cracking or failure, often due to improper fluid or abuse. Clutch wear is accelerated with aggressive driving.

The complex active aero, Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) struts, and four-wheel steering systems are prone to failure due to age and sensor issues. ECU capacitors often leak, leading to various electrical gremlins or complete failure. Wiring harness deterioration is also a concern, causing intermittent issues.

The VR-4's Getrag 5-speed manual transmission is robust, but the transfer case is notorious for premature failure, often due to seal leaks leading to fluid starvation. Turbochargers are also highly susceptible to failure if oil changes are neglected or if the engine is not properly cooled down after hard driving, leading to shaft play and oil leaks.

Aging capacitors in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) are a widespread issue, leading to fluid leakage that corrodes the circuit board and causes various erratic running conditions, misfires, or no-start situations. Other electrical components like power window motors, gauge cluster elements, and various sensors are also prone to failure.

The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) shocks are prone to leaking and failure, leading to a 'squishy' ride and warning lights. The Active Wheel Steering (AWS) and Active Aero systems, while innovative, rely on complex sensors and actuators that frequently fail, resulting in warning lights and non-functional features.

Turbocharger failures, especially if oil changes are neglected or proper cool-down procedures aren't followed. Oil leaks from various seals and gaskets are common due to age, leading to potential oil starvation if not addressed.

Leaking electrolytic capacitors in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) are a widespread issue, causing intermittent misfires, starting problems, and sensor failures. Active Aero and ECS suspension control modules/actuators also frequently fail due to age and moisture.

The Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) struts are prone to leaking and actuator failure, leading to a harsh ride or permanent 'sport' mode. Active Aero motors often seize or fail, disabling the front and rear spoilers.

The twin-turbo setup on VR-4 models is complex and prone to issues. Turbos can fail due to oil starvation or age, leading to excessive smoke or power loss. Vacuum lines and wastegate actuators commonly degrade, causing boost leaks or inconsistent boost pressure. Intercooler hoses also crack.

While robust, the Getrag 6-speed in VR-4 models is known for worn synchros, particularly in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, leading to grinding or difficulty engaging gears. The clutch is also a common wear item, especially with aggressive driving, and replacement is labor-intensive.

The Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) struts are prone to leaking and sensor failures, making replacement costly and often requiring conversion to passive suspension. Active Aerodynamics (front air dam and rear spoiler) motors commonly fail or seize due to age and lack of use.

The active aerodynamics and Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) systems, revolutionary for their time, frequently fail due to seized motors, worn sensors, or deteriorated wiring, leading to error codes and non-functional components. Repairs are often costly or involve converting to simpler, aftermarket passive systems.

The twin-turbo 6G72 engine in VR-4 models is susceptible to turbocharger oil seal leaks, bearing wear, and eventual failure due to extreme heat cycles and inadequate maintenance. Oil lines can also become brittle, leading to leaks. Neglect here is costly, often requiring turbo replacement or rebuild.

Beyond the active systems, general electrical gremlins are common due to aging wiring harnesses, failing sensors (e.g., crank, cam, O2), instrument cluster issues, and power window motor failures. Climate control displays can also pixelate or fail. Diagnostics are complex and time-consuming.

The 6G72 twin-turbo engine is prone to turbocharger failure, oil leaks from various seals (valve covers, oil pan, turbo feed lines), and common lifter tick issues requiring regular maintenance. Neglected timing belt service is catastrophic, and 'crankwalk' can still be a concern if the engine hasn't been properly maintained or rebuilt.

Age-related failures are widespread. ECU capacitors are known to leak, causing erratic engine behavior or no-starts. Active Aero and Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) systems often fail due to worn components or controller issues. Window regulators, blend door actuators, and dashboard electronics are also common failure points.

On VR-4 models, the complex AWD transfer case can develop leaks or outright failure if fluid isn't regularly changed. The 6-speed Getrag manual transmission is robust but can suffer from worn synchros or shift forks, especially if abused. Clutch replacement is expensive and requires special tools.

Aging wiring harnesses, failing sensors (crank/cam angle, O2), and notorious ECU capacitor leakage are common, leading to various driveability issues, intermittent faults, or complete no-start conditions.

On twin-turbo models, turbos are prone to oil seal failure, shaft play, or wastegate issues. The myriad of vacuum lines for boost control, active exhaust, and other features frequently crack or leak, causing boost loss and performance degradation.

Worn control arm bushings, tie rods, and aging Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) struts are common. The ECS struts are particularly expensive to replace if you wish to retain the active suspension functionality, with leaks being a frequent complaint.

ECU capacitors are highly prone to leaking with age, damaging the circuit board and causing various engine running issues, sensor malfunctions, and even complete failure. Active aero motors, ECS actuators, and power antenna motors are also common points of failure due to age and exposure.

On AWD VR-4 models, the transfer case is a significant weak point, especially if abused or if fluid changes are neglected. Internal bearing or spline failures can lead to loss of AWD or complete drivetrain lock-up, requiring costly replacement.

Timing belt replacement is critical on all DOHC models every 60,000 miles. Neglect results in bent valves and catastrophic engine damage. Hydraulic lash adjusters (lifters) often develop an audible 'tick' due to clogged oil passages or wear, though this is typically more an annoyance than a catastrophic failure.