Mitsubishi is known for being a popular car manufacturer around the world. Despite the popularity and high-esteem the company holds worldwide, the numerous Mitsubishi transmission problems prevent some owners from purchasing one of their cars.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Regarding the transmissions, Mitsubishi uses Jatco type transmissions. These transmissions come in various types, such as conventional automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, and manual transmission types.
For the transmission types used in Mitsubishi cars, the transverse engine front-wheel-drive translate conventional automatic transmission are used in various Mitsubishi vehicles. The Mitsubishi Wagon, Mitsubishi eK Active, Mitsubishi Classy, Mitsubishi Sport, Mitsubishi Galant, Mitsubishi Grandis, Mitsubishi Lancer, and Mitsubishi Lancer Wagon all use a 4-speed medium automatic transmission.
In The continuously variable transmission category or CVT, the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Lancer, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport all use the Jatco JF011E CVT. Furthermore, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Mitsubishi Delica use the Jatco CVT7.
Most Common Mitsubishi Transmission Problems
Low transmission fluid levels typically cause Mitsubishi transmission problems. These low levels of lubrication typically congregate around the pan gasket, causing overheating and friction. The low fluid levels are detrimental to the internal mechanism of the Mitsubishi and can lead to various issues.
Some of the most common Mitsubishi transmission problems include the car not shifting, transmission not going into gear, the car not shifting out of neutral or park, or the transmission not responding at all.
In addition to the shifting concerns, owners may notice a burning smell, harsh gear changes, jumping to neutral while in motion, no reverse gear available, and a rattling during accelerations. Although some of these issues might not be due to Mitsubishi transmission problems, but instead due to a faulty mass air flow sensor or failed catalytic converter, a low fluid level is still the #1 culprit.
The top Mitsubishi transmission that rarely gives owners any problems is the 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions used in the Lancer, Mirage, Galant, and Outlander in certain model years. However, Mitsubishi CVT mechanisms are notorious for transmission issues, like the 2016 recall that included over 80,000 Outlander and Lancer vehicles.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems
When looking at the overall Mitsubishi transmission problems, you need to know what specific models are the most concerning and have the highest repair cost. For the Outlander Sport, the worst model years are the 2014 and 2105, with the 2015 having the most-reported problem of the battery dying during use.
The 2015 is also considered the worst model year due to the prevalence of issues, the total repair cost, and the average mileage at the onset of the problems in the transmission. The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission system’s main concerns focus on the car jerking from a stop, the car shifting roughly, the car shuddering at low speeds, and problems accelerating.
To fix the car shifting roughly, the most common cause of this hard shifting is a lack of transmission fluid to fix. A lack of lubrication causes hard shifts, so you should bring your car to a mechanic so they can analyze the fluid level and top-up if necessary. This fluid fix is an easy way to prevent further Mitsubishi transmission problems.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Transmission Problems
The worst model years of the Eclipse are the 2001, 2003, and 2007 options, with the 2001 having the most-reported problem of transmission failure. The top three concerns across every single model year all deal with transmission longevity issues, with numerous reports of transmission failure in the 1999 and 2001 Eclipse at around 65,000 miles.
These Mitsubishi transmission problems are quite serious since paying to fix the transmission failure typically costs above $2,200 to repair. In the worst model year of the 2001 Eclipse, owners complain of transmission failure and the car hesitating while going into drive or reverse.
Furthermore, the NHTSA cited issues with the powertrain, manual transmission, automatic transmission, the cooling unit, and the transmission control module.
Regarding the transmission failure, owners have to replace the transmission at around 83,000, costing a hefty repair price of over $2,280. When comparing all Mitsubishi transmission problems, a transmission failure is one of the most severe issues that could occur under the hood and requires immediate attention.
Mitsubishi Galant Transmission Problems
The worst model years of the Mitsubishi Galant are the 1999, 2001, and 2007 years, with the 1999 having the most-reported issue of the car not moving when placed in the proper gear. The worst model year based on the severity of issues and prevalence of problems is the 2000 year, with the NHTSA citing issues with the automatic transmission and the transmission control module.
Owners have to pay to fix the transmission control module for between $500 and $900. The parts’ cost will range between $450 and $700, while the price of labor is between $450 and $200. Although this is not one of the most expensive Mitsubishi transmission problems, the transmission control module is a crucial part that needs to be repaired sooner rather than later.
Mitsubishi Lancer Transmission Problems
Regarding transmission concerns, the worst model years of the Lancer are the 2006, 2008, and 2011 years, with the most-reported problem being the radiator leaking in the 2006 year. In the least-reliable 2008 model, owners complain of the transmission overheating and the transmission slipping.
If you do not know why the automatic transmission slips when accelerating, there is usually an answer. Sometimes it can be very severe, requiring you to repair or replace certain parts. The cause of the automatic transmission slipping when accelerating will depend on the kind of transmission that you have in your vehicle.
The main Mitsubishi transmission problems that focus on the slipping transmission are caused by a few certain issues and faulty parts.
First, low fluid can cause the transmission to slip. The transmission fluid is necessary to lubricate the parts and keep your car running correctly. If your transmission slips, this means that the car engine revs, but no power is transferred to the wheels to move the car. If the sleeping is caused by low transmission fluid, it will only get worse as the transmission overheats and friction builds during use.
Second, slipping when accelerating can be due to the transmission fluid burning. If the fluid is not the right color, like black instead of red, or you notice a burning smell, this is likely the culprit. Burnt fluid can occur when the transmission overheats and there is too much friction. In this case, you need to swap out your transmission fluid to prevent any further Mitsubishi transmission problems.
Third, automatic cars can succumb to clutch issues. These clutch issues can cause automatic transmission to slip when accelerating. In an automatic car, the transmission and the torque converter have clutch plates that can become worn out and damaged due to insufficient transmission fluid.
Lastly, the torque converter transfers the engine’s power into torque, which is the type of power that the transmission can use. Over time, the torque converter will break down and become damaged. When the converter is functioning correctly, the fluid will flow through the torque converter, but if it is damaged, the transmission fluid will not flow and can cause Mitsubishi transmission problems.
Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Problems
The worst years of the Outlander based on reliability and problems are the 2014, 2015, and 2018 model years, with the 2015 having the most-reported issue of the paint chipping off during use. Although the Outlander has some more severe issues like premature brake wear in the 2018 Outlander, the lack of Mitsubishi transmission problems makes this a reliable and durable car owner model.
Mitsubishi Mirage Transmission Problems
The final type of Mitsubishi that has a high-reported number of Mitsubishi transmissions problems is the Mirage, with the worst model years of the 2000, 2014, and 2015. The 2015 is the worst model year, with owners complaining about the car hesitating while accelerating and the vehicle losing accelerating while driving.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Recall
Mitsubishi Motors announced a recall in mid-2014 regarding certain model year 2013 Outlander cars that contain a 6-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the company recalled certain 2007-2012 Outlander cars with a 6-speed automatic transmission installed as a placeholder during servicing.
The affected transmission mechanisms are susceptible to forming holes and developing a leak. The insufficient clearance between the power steering tube and the automatic transmission converter housing can cause these parts to come in contact and rub, leading to serious Mitsubishi transmission problems.
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Recall
When looking at the most severe Mitsubishi transmission problems, some of the most serious can be found in the 2105-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles, 2016 Outlander cars, and the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer cars. These affected vehicles contain a CVT that could cause a delay accelerating, leading to a safety issue on the road.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the worst models and model years of Mitsubishi cars can help you make a smart decision when purchasing a new vehicle. By avoiding the 2013-2016 Outlander, 2001 Eclipse, 1999 Galant, and many others, you can prevent the Mitsubishi transmission problems from getting worse!