1998 MITSUBISHI FTO

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: loud ticking or tapping at idle, especially when cold, noise increases with RPM, poor oil pressure readings, check engine light with cam position sensor codes

Fix: Caused by inadequate oil changes and high-RPM driving. Requires all lifters replacement, typically with cylinder head removal for proper access and inspection. Budget 12-16 hours labor for full lifter service including head removal, cleaning, and reassembly. Often discover camshaft lobe wear requiring cam replacement as well.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: severe clunking on acceleration and deceleration, excessive engine movement visible from engine bay, vibration through shifter and cabin at idle, difficulty engaging gears smoothly

Fix: The hydraulic transmission mounts fail internally and cause dramatic drivetrain movement. Front mount is accessed from above, rear requires subframe support. Replace both simultaneously as labor overlaps. 3-4 hours labor total.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: overheating under load, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil or coolant contamination, loss of coolant with no visible leaks, rough idle and misfires

Fix: The 6A12 MIVEC V6 is prone to head gasket failure between cylinders or into coolant passages, often from overheating events. Requires both cylinder heads removed, resurfaced for warpage (common), new gaskets, timing belt replacement while apart, and coolant system flush. 18-24 hours labor for both heads.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: severe vibration at specific RPM ranges (usually 2,500-3,500), visible wobble of crankshaft pulley, squealing serpentine belt that won't stay aligned, rubber separation visible between inner and outer ring

Fix: The rubber bonding layer separates, allowing the outer ring to wobble and potentially destroy the crankshaft snout or break the timing belt. Requires special puller and installer tools. 2-3 hours labor, but failure can cause catastrophic engine damage if ignored.

Estimated cost: $400-650

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: automatic transmission fluid puddles under engine bay, burnt transmission fluid smell, slipping gears or delayed engagement, fluid leaking from metal lines near radiator

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to radiator or at transmission housing, especially in rust-belt climates. Lines are dealer-only or require custom fabrication. 2-3 hours labor to replace lines and refill/bleed system properly.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: stumbling or hesitation above 4,500 RPM, loss of power under wide-open throttle, difficulty starting when hot, fuel pump whining excessively

Fix: Many imported FTOs sat in Japan with old fuel before export, leading to varnish and debris in the tank. The in-tank fuel filter clogs, starving the engine at high demand. Requires fuel tank drop, pump removal, filter replacement, and tank cleaning. 4-5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $450-800