1996 Mitsubishi Expo recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE THE RADIATOR UPPER HOSE CLAMPING IS INSUFFICIENT.
What could happen: DUE TO ENGINE BEHAVIOR, FORCES MAY PULL ON THE RADIATOR HOSE AND THE HOSE MAY COME OUT, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO COOLANT LEAKAGE AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHEATING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW RADIATOR HOSE AND HAVE THE HOSE CLAMP CHANGED WITH MODIFIED ONES. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI OF CARIBBEAN AT 787-251-8715.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 EXPO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V542000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE THE RADIATOR UPPER HOSE CLAMPING IS INSUFFICIENT.
Consequence: DUE TO ENGINE BEHAVIOR, FORCES MAY PULL ON THE RADIATOR HOSE AND THE HOSE MAY COME OUT, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO COOLANT LEAKAGE AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHEATING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW RADIATOR HOSE AND HAVE THE HOSE CLAMP CHANGED WITH MODIFIED ONES. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 9, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI OF CARIBBEAN AT 787-251-8715.
Notes: MITSUBISHI RECALL NO. SR-04-NNN. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/04/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK