1996 Mitsubishi Mighty Max

Introduction:

The 1996 Mitsubishi Mighty Max is a compact pickup truck available with a range of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter inline-four producing 142 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter V6 producing 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque is optional. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual transmission for all engine configurations and a 4-speed automatic transmission for the V6 engine. Owners praise the Mighty Max for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities, but criticize its lack of modern features and unrefined interior.

Engine

2.4-Liter Inline-Four

Cylinder Head Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power. Solution: Replace cylinder head gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found

3.0-Liter V6

Exhaust Manifold Cracking Description/Symptoms: Loud ticking noise from the engine, reduced power, increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Clutch Master Cylinder Failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, no clutch engagement. Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Internal Transmission Failure Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed engagement, grinding noises. Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

Front Suspension Bushing Wear Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps, uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace suspension bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Rear Suspension Leaf Spring Failure Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling, noisy suspension. Solution: Replace leaf springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 Recalls: None Found

Electrical

Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, electrical system issues. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight, slow starting, electrical system issues. Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system component causing drain, replace battery if necessary. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

Tailgate Rust Description/Symptoms: Rust and corrosion on the tailgate panel. Solution: Repair or replace tailgate panel. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 Recalls: None Found

Interior

Dashboard Cracking Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the plastic dashboard. Solution: Replace dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 Recalls: None Found

Summary:

Overall, the 1996 Mitsubishi Mighty Max is a reliable and durable pickup truck with some common issues that vary in severity and repair costs. Engine and transmission issues can be expensive to fix, while suspension and electrical problems are typically more minor repairs.