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Mitsubishi · Known Issues

1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Problems: 3 Known Issues

1999 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Belt and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure Destroying the Interference DOHC 6G72 ($700-$4,500 repair) and Getrag AWD Manual Transmission Synchro Wear and Gear Grind (VR-4 5-Speed/6-Speed) ($2,000-$4,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • 3000GT Engine2
  • 3000GT Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS199919981997199619951994199319921991

On the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT, the DOHC 24-valve 6G72 in the SL and VR-4 is an interference engine: if the timing belt snaps or the known-weak hydraulic tensioner bleeds down and lets the belt skip teeth, pistons strike open valves. Documented failures have bent as many as 17 of the engine's 24 valves, turning a missed $1,000 service into a $3,000-5,000 cylinder head job. Oil from leaking cam seals or valve covers contaminating the belt accelerates failure, and the cramped transverse V6 layout makes the 60,000-mile/5-year service frequently deferred.

Common Symptoms

  • Ticking, whirring, or slapping noise from the front timing cover
  • Engine cranks freely but will not start after a belt failure
  • Sudden rough running or misfires after the belt skips teeth
  • Oil seepage around the timing covers contaminating the belt
  • Unknown or overdue belt service history

How to Fix

Replace the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump as a set every 60,000 miles or 5 years, fixing any cam/crank seal oil leaks at the same time. On a car with unknown service history, do the belt service before driving the car hard.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Gates TCKWP195A DOHC timing-belt component kit with water pump
    OEMGates TCKWP195A

    1991-1999 3000GT DOHC 6G72 scheduled or contamination-driven timing-system service branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S. page identifies Gates TCKWP195A and its belt, tensioner, hydraulic tensioner, idler, water pump, ga…

    MVP Motorsports

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$700 - $4,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT, the 6G72's hydraulic lash adjusters are prone to internal varnish buildup and wear, producing the platform's famous ticking noise at idle that rises with RPM. Dirty oil or extended change intervals make the adjusters bleed down and stick, increasing valvetrain clearance. It is mostly an annoyance, but a chronically loud, sticking adjuster accelerates rocker and cam lobe wear over time.

Common Symptoms

  • Rhythmic ticking from the top of the engine at idle
  • Tick frequency increases with engine RPM
  • Noise is loudest at cold start and may fade when warm
  • Tick improves temporarily after an oil change

How to Fix

Start with frequent oil changes and a cleaning additive regimen (community-proven options include a Rislone or Lucas treatment cycle, or pulling and cleaning the adjusters); persistent tick is cured by replacing the 24 lash adjusters, with upgraded 'big bore' Gen3 lifters or solid-lifter conversions sold specifically for this engine.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • 3SX later-style Gen3 big-bore hydraulic lash adjusters, set of 24
    OEM3SX LIFTERGEN3SET24

    1991-1999 3000GT DOHC 6G72 confirmed hydraulic-lash-adjuster wear branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct specialist page offers the later-style set of 24 and explicitly states 6G72 DOHC-only fitment for turbo and non-turbo 300…

    3SX Performance

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $1,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Getrag-built AWD gearboxes in the VR-4 (W5MG1 5-speed through 1993, W6MG1 6-speed from 1994) are notorious for worn synchronizers, especially 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd, causing grinding shifts. The synchros are undersized for the mass of the gears at high engine speed, so spirited driving wears them quickly; continuing to drive through the grind chews up gears and sliders, many of which are no longer available new. Rebuilds require specialist knowledge and parts kits from community vendors.

Common Symptoms

  • Grinding on the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, especially at higher RPM
  • Notchy, baulky shifting when cold
  • Crunch when downshifting without rev-matching
  • Gradually worsening refusal to engage a gear quickly

How to Fix

Rebuild the transmission with updated synchro kits (R'venge Performance, Jack's Transmissions and similar specialists supply parts) at the first sign of regular grinding, before gear and slider damage compounds the bill. Use the correct fluid and double-clutch or slow shifts to extend synchro life in the meantime.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • R'venge W5MG1 five-speed AWD transmission rebuild kit
    OEMR'venge rvengeGetragRebuild

    1991-1993 3000GT VR-4 W5MG1 teardown-confirmed synchronizer/bearing/seal rebuild branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.

    R'venge Performance
  • R'venge W6MG1 six-speed AWD transmission rebuild kit
    OEMR'venge rvengeGetragRebuild-1

    1994-1999 3000GT VR-4 W6MG1 teardown-confirmed synchronizer/bearing/seal rebuild branch Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.

    R'venge Performance

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$2,000 - $4,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.

Campaign #02V14300114/05/2002

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Campaign #04V42800001/09/2004

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Belt and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure Destroying the Interference DOHC 6G72, Getrag AWD Manual Transmission Synchro Wear and Gear Grind (VR-4 5-Speed/6-Speed), Hydraulic Lash Adjuster 'Lifter Tick' on the 6G72 V6. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi 3000GT reliable?

The 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Belt and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure Destroying the Interference DOHC 6G72 and Getrag AWD Manual Transmission Synchro Wear and Gear Grind (VR-4 5-Speed/6-Speed). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi 3000GT issues range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Belt and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure Destroying the Interference DOHC 6G72, typically costs $700-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Timing Belt and Hydraulic Tensioner Failure Destroying the Interference DOHC 6G72?

The DOHC 24-valve 6G72 in the SL and VR-4 is an interference engine: if the timing belt snaps or the known-weak hydraulic tensioner bleeds down and lets the belt skip teeth, pistons strike open valves. Documented failures have bent as many as 17 of the engine's 24 valves, turning… Repairs typically run $700-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Getrag AWD Manual Transmission Synchro Wear and Gear Grind (VR-4 5-Speed/6-Speed)?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

The Getrag-built AWD gearboxes in the VR-4 (W5MG1 5-speed through 1993, W6MG1 6-speed from 1994) are notorious for worn synchronizers, especially 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd, causing grinding shifts. The synchros are undersized for the mass of the gears at high engine speed, so spirited… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1991-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT Hydraulic Lash Adjuster 'Lifter Tick' on the 6G72 V6?

The 6G72's hydraulic lash adjusters are prone to internal varnish buildup and wear, producing the platform's famous ticking noise at idle that rises with RPM. Dirty oil or extended change intervals make the adjusters bleed down and stick, increasing valvetrain clearance. It is mo… Repairs typically run $50-$1,500. Severity: low.