Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990): Full Technical Specs & Diagnos | TroubleAtlas

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Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990)
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MITSUBISHI STARION (1982–1990) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance

Built 1982–1990 · all production years covered on this single page

2.6 Turbo ECi (A187A) (155 Hp) • Petrol (Gasoline)

1990
Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990)

© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

5 Common problems View details →
14 OBD2 codes View details →
1 Recalls / TSB View details →
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliability
n/a
Safety & recalls
n/a
Repair cost
n/a
Parts & repairability
7.3
Maintenance & durability
n/a
Documentation & support
n/a
★ How we calculate this → Methodology
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA7.3/10
Independent · Verified · Never for sale

Every figure on this Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.

The Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990) is powered by a 2.6 Turbo ECi (A187A) (155 Hp) engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.

⚠️ COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE

The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.

Related codes: P0700

Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE

Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.

Related codes: P0300

Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW

Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.

Related codes: P0128

Battery/system voltage lowLOW

System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.

Related codes: P0562

P0011LOW

Check with an OBD2 scanner.

Related codes: P0011

💰 AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS

Prices may vary by area and workshop.

🔧
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
🛑
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
⚡
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
📊
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
💵 WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY

Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.

🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (1)
NHTSA 95V103004
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 24/05/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
🔴 DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE

53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.

Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
!BRAKE
Brake System WarningBrakes
K
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
+−
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
!BRAKE
ABS WarningBrakes
!BRAKE
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
!BRAKE
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
!
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
S
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
N
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
!
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
?
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
L
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
L
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
AC
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
A
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
L
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
A
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
A
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
A
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
A
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
!
Door Open WarningBody
!
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
📢 REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)

5 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mitsubishi Starion across model years 1982–1990. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.

1 injury
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 19862
Model year 19872
Model year 19881
Most reported components (all years)
Seat Belts2
Fuel System1
Gasoline1
Seats1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Sample reports
SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING HEAD INJURY/EJECTION. *SD (MY 1987)
SEATBELT BUCKLE RECALL PARTS NLA: THERE REMAINS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF INEFFECTIVE AND FAILING SEATBELT BUCKLES FOR THE 1987 MITSUBISHI STARION (OTHER YEARS AS WELL AS CHRYSLER CONQUEST - SAME CAR, DIFFERENT NAME). MITSUBI… (MY 1987)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 MITSUBISHI STARION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V103004 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A R… (MY 1986)
DEFECTIVE AFTERMARKET OIL FILTER, WHICH CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE, MANUFACTURED BY AC DELCO FILTER PART NO. TF57. TT (MY 1988)

Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1982–1990.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mitsubishi Starion have any safety recalls?

Yes — 1 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.

What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mitsubishi Starion?

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mitsubishi Starion?

Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mitsubishi Starion?

A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990)?

Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.

How often should the Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990) be serviced?

Routine maintenance for the Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.

Found what you were looking for? Explore other Mitsubishi models in our database, compare tyre offers in your size, or search a specific fault code in the TroubleAtlas OBD2 database.

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