Mitsubishi FTO

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Mitsubishi FTO

1994 FTO GPX (pre-facelift) in "Pyrenées Black"

Overview

Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors

Production 1994–2000

Assembly Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan

Body and chassis

Class Sports car

Sport compact

Body style 2-door coupé

Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive

Powertrain

 1.8 L 4G93 SOHC 16V I4

Engine
 2.0 L 6A12 DOHC 24V V6

 2.0 L 6A12 DOHC 24V MIVEC V6

 Transmission 5-speed manual

4-speed semi-auto (1994–97)

5-speed semi-auto (1997–2000)

Dimensions

Wheelbase 2,500 mm (98.4 in)

Length 4,365 mm (171.9 in)

Width 1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height 1,300 mm (51.2 in)

Curb weight 1,100–1,210 kg (2,425–2,668 lb)

The Mitsubishi FTO, is a front engined, front-wheel drive coupe produced by Mitsubishi
Motors between 1994 and 2000. It was originally planned to be exclusively for the
Japanese domestic market, although its popularity as a grey market import to the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand led to eventual limited
distribution through Mitsubishi's official dealers in those countries at the tail-end of
production.[1] Upon its debut it won the Car of the Year Japan award for 1994–95,
commemorated by a Limited Edition of the FTO GPX model.[2][circular reference][3] In Japan it was
sold at two retail chains called Car Plaza and Galant Shop.
FTO stands for "Fresh Touring Origination".[4] The name recalls the Galant FTO coupé of
1971, one of the company's first sports cars.[5]

Contents

 1Backstory: The Galant FTO (January 1971-1975)

 2The New FTO Models
o 2.1October 1994–February 1997 (Pre-Facelift)
o 2.2GPX Limited Edition
o 2.3Nakaya-Tune FTO Package
o 2.4February 1997–July 2000 (Facelift Models)
o 2.5The end of an era
 3Electric FTO (1999)
 4Awards
 5Reviews
o 5.1Promo Video (Pre-facelift)
o 5.2Top Gear (Facelift)
o 5.3FTO - Europe's fastest FWD (2014)
 6Options
 7Bodywork Colors
o 7.1Model production by color
 8Annual production
o 8.1Chassis Numbering
o 8.2Model Codes
 9Total production by transmission type
o 9.1Recalls
 10References
Backstory: The Galant FTO (January 1971-1975)[edit]

Mitsubishi Galant Coupé FTO

Prior to the arrival of the 1994 front-wheel drive FTO, which inherited the 'FTO' tag, was the
Mitsubishi Galant Coupé FTO. A rear-wheel drive coupe produced by Japanese automaker
Mitsubishi Motors from November 1971 to March 1975.[1] "FTO" was meant to stand for
Fresco Turismo Omologato, in a fine example of Japanese Italian (or 'Fresh Touring
Origination' in English). This compact Coupé FTO can effectively be seen as a replacement
for the earlier Mitsubishi Colt 11-F Super Sports.
The Galant FTO was first introduced with an 86 or 95 PS (63 or 70 kW) 1378 cc 4G41
"Neptune" engine, until it was replaced via a redesign in February 1973 by a brace of 1597
cc 4G32 "Saturn" power plants - offering either 100 PS (74 kW), or 110 PS (81 kW),
depending on the state of tune. There was also a 1439 cc Saturn engine, offering 92 PS
(68 kW). In October 1973 there was a minor facelift and the lineup was restricted to four
versions, with the EL, the GS and the four-speed SL versions cancelled. Production
gradually came to an end in August 1975, after the introduction in March that year of the
more staid Lancer Celeste.

The New FTO Models[edit]

In 1994 a whole new FTO coupé concept was created. The only body style was a 2-door
coupé, and all FTOs were front wheel drive. Either an inline-four or a transversely
mounted V6 engine was available, mated to either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II semi-
automatic transmission. Earlier (pre-facelift) auto models had a four-speed version, whilst
most facelift [1997-2000] auto versions had a five-speed. The most recognizable exterior
styling change during 1997 was, in simple terms, to the front bumper - which went from two
air intakes to a single deeper intake, restyled front lip and indicator/fog lighting
arrangement. On the pre-facelift models there exists a minor difference in the lower intake -
on some earlier models there are two blanking plates on either side, thus reducing the size
of the aperture. (These can be seen, either side of the number plate, in the image of the
yellow GPX Limited Edition below).
By 2000, in the MMC Company Report, the now phased out FTO was simply described as
"Small brother of the GTO, this sports coupe gives full expression to MMC’s fun-to-drive
philosophy with well-balanced proportions wrapped in dynamic and aggressive styling..."
Regarding the 'FTO' acronym, the 'Series Name Derivations' section of the Report
describes the model as "FTO - Fresh Touring Origination: a touring model overflowing with
freshness, youthfulness and originality".
October 1994–February 1997 (Pre-Facelift)[edit]
The inline-engined GS was the base model in the FTO range, with 14" wheels
and automatic climate control (auto-aircon). The rear spoiler was an original equipment
option on both the GS and GR. The larger-engined V6 GR also had auto-aircon and 15"
wheels. Completing the range was the V6 MIVEC-engined GPX with 16" alloy wheels,
sporting a rear spoiler and side air dams as standard. All three of these models gained
various refinements prior to the introduction of the facelift versions and many models were
purchased fitted with a number of original options that were available, such as ABS,
traction control and a passenger air bag.
Prior to the introduction of the facelift models a GP model was introduced in 1996, together
with a later 'semi-race spec' Nakaya-Tune dealer package. The 'GP Special', with 5-sp
manual or 4-sp auto, was also promoted as a GP version R introduction, although yet to
gain the later 'facelift' GPvR body styling details.
The first appearance of the Mitsubishi-designed Invecs-II semi-automatic Tiptronic style
gearbox, based upon similar Porsche technology,[6][circular reference] was at the launch of this FTO
model range. The auto models are, therefore, sometimes referred to as 'Tip' or 'Tiptronic'
FTOs. Driven manually, the box 'learns' the driver's style for when motoring in auto mode.

Model name Model code (VIN) Engine Peak power

DE2A HNUE (5-

sp. M/T) 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp)
GS 1834 cc SOHC 16 valve I4
DE2A HRUE (4- at 6000 rpm
sp. A/T)

DE3A HNHM (5-

sp. M/T)
GR
DE3A HRHM (4-
sp. A/T)

DE3A HNHM3
GR Limited (5-sp. M/T) 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
1998 cc DOHC 24 valve V6
Edition (1995) DE3A HRHM3 at 7000 rpm
(4-sp. A/T)

DE3A HNHM4
(5-sp. M/T)
GR Sports Package
DE3A HRHM4
(4-sp. A/T)

DE3A HNGH (5-

sp. M/T)
GPX
DE3A HRGH (4-
sp. A/T)

DE3A HNGH2 (5-

GPX Limited Edition sp. M/T) 1998 cc DOHC MIVEC 24 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)
"COTY" (1995) DE3A HRGH2 (4- valve V6 at 7500 rpm
sp. A/T)

DE3A HNFH (5-

sp. M/T)
GP (Feb 1996)
DE3A HRFH (4-
sp. A/T)
 DE3A HNFH2 (5-
sp. M/T)
GP Special (1996–97)
DE3A HRFH2 (4-
sp. A/T)

The power plant of each model can be quickly identified in the engine bay, with the oil cap
on the right of the engine cover for the 2.0 DOHC V6 and on the left for the 1.8 SOHC and
2.0 DOHC MIVEC V6. On MIVEC-engined models the front brake calipers are larger, with
twin-piston operation, compared to the single piston units of the other models. The rear
single piston calipers are common across the range. (Some owners may have updated the
rear units with those of the larger piston, used on the Evo I/II/III and/or the front units with
the larger calipers as used on the GTO + another popular brake mod is using EVO 4 front
caliper brackets on a GPX with the standard caliper coupled with 294mm EVO 4 Discs)

The FTO GPX Limited Edition "94–95 Japan Car of the Year"

GPX Limited Edition[edit]

FTO COTY "94-95 Japan Car of the Year" badge. (Also shows OEM Option wind deflector, for all
FTO models)

In commemoration of its win at the Car of the Year Japan awards in 1994, Mitsubishi
produced a Limited Edition of their GPX model. This model was finished in a unique
dandelion yellow paint scheme with "'94–95 Japan Car of the Year" emblems on the
car's C-pillar. It was also installed with a rear screen wash/wiper and limited slip
differential as standard. The LSD units are manual, code: F5M42-2-V7A2 & auto, code:
F4A42-1-W7A5. Only 207 GPX Limited Edition models were produced during April 1995,
20 manuals and 187 autos.[7] It is usually referred to, via 'Car Of The Year' acronym, as the
FTO "COTY".
Nakaya-Tune FTO Package[edit]
The Nakaya-Tune was a limited edition pre-facelift FTO dealership package, introduced
prior to the 'facelift' FTO launch.[8] This branded tuning package related to Akihiko Nakaya,
one of the MCC's racing personalities and driver of a Taeivon Trampio FTO in the All-Japan
Grand Touring Car Championship in 1998–1999.
Advertising material of the time (a single-sided full-color leaflet) shows it to be available for
the V6-engined GPX, GP and GR models and limited to 300 units ("限定300台" - which
broadly translates as "Limited to 300 units"). This option package provided: a Purofu brand
stainless steel sports silencer, upgraded brake pads, a carbon fibre lip spoiler and
upgraded suspension with Öhlins shock absorbers.[9] The suspension became lowered by
35 mm (1.4 in). As an 'after-market' dealer option item, no chassis reference can be given
for the three specific models for which it was available. Thus, how many were actually fitted
'at point-of-sale' is therefore unclear and may only be evidenced within the dealership sale
document of the time.[8]
February 1997–July 2000 (Facelift Models)[edit]

1997 GPX facelift model in 'Icecelle Blue', fitted with OEM option aero rear spoiler & HID kit.

GP Version R (Scotia White) model interior with distinctive blue seats. This interior also shows the
three-spoke Momo airbag wheel & manual climate control.

Rear detailing of a GP Version R Aero Series model (Pyrenées Black), showing spoiler side fin and
boot logos.

Rear side panel "MIVEC" logo (This example on COTY model)

In February 1997 the FTO model range was given a facelift with a new
front bumper arrangement, usually referred to by FTO enthusiasts as "facelift"
models.[10] The original two air intakes became one large single intake, blended into a full
width forward-facing front splitter. The two supplementary fog and indicator paired units
became four separate circular lights, each recessed into the new bumper. The headlamp
internals were also changed to incorporate the vehicle's side lights, but their external
design remained. An HID Option was also made available.
The rear spoiler also underwent a redesign to an aero wing, which phased in during 1997
as standard equipment on some models, such as the GP Version R. After its late
introduction in the pre-facelift era, the now facelifted GP was given a full styling make-over
with a 'Version R' tag - heralding a further external styling feature with this new large spoiler
(also fitted as standard on both Aero Series later GPvR and GX models, or as an OE option
for other extant models).
The GP Version R model was produced in Scotia White, Passion Red or Pyrenées Black
only. It featured HID headlamps; Black rear seats, with color-coded "FTO" monogrammed
front seats - Blue/with Scotia White body color, Black/with Passion Red body color or
Red/with Pyrenées Black body color; uprated suspension - 20 mm front anti roll bar instead
of 17 mm and a 20 mm rear anti roll bar rather than 18 mm; limited slip differential and the
redesigned rear aero spoiler. A "Version R" decal also features on the two spoiler side
wings and on the nearside of the front lip. As this model was lightweight, items such as side
skirts, front fog lights, climate control, electric folding mirrors and sound insulation were left
out. The later Version R Aero and GX Sports Package Aero models feature an "Aero
Series" decal on the offside rear of the boot lid.
A further refinement to the facelift range was via the two GX models, with a 3 mm wider
bore in the throttle body (increased from 60 mm to 63 mm and mated to the plenum bore),
helping to provide the additional 10 PS over the earlier GR model engine. Whilst the GR
model only continued to offer 4-speed auto and 5-speed manual into the 'facelift' era, the
GX Sport and GX Sport Aero upgrade came either as 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto. On
the GS and GR models aircon operation became manual from Feb 1997.
The LSD option, found standard on the pre-facelift GPX Limited Edition, was of
a viscous type. However, by 1997 this option for the facelift models, found standard on the
GP Version R, was similar to that of a Torsen type.

Model name Model code (VIN) Engine Peak power

GF-DE2A HNUE
(5-sp. M/T) 1800 cc SOHC 16 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp)
GS (Feb 1997)
GF-DE2A HRUE valve inline-four at 6000 rpm
(4-sp. A/T)

GF-DE3A HNHM
(5-sp. M/T) 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
GR (Feb 1997) 2000 cc DOHC 24 valve V6
GF-DE3A HRHM at 7000 rpm
(4-sp. A/T)

DE3A HNGH (5-

sp. M/T) 2000 cc DOHC MIVEC 24 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)
GPX (Feb 1997)
DE3A HYGH (5- valve V6 at 7500 rpm
sp. A/T)
 DE3A HNXM (5-
GX Sports Package (Feb sp. M/T)
1997) DE3A HYXM (5-
sp. A/T)
180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp)
2000 cc DOHC 24 valve V6
at 7000 rpm
DE3A HNXM4 (5-
GX Sports Package Aero
sp. M/T)
Series
DE3A HYXM4 (5-
(Nov 1997)
sp. A/T)

DE3A HNFH3 (5-

sp. M/T)
GP Version R (Feb 1997)
DE3A HYFH3 (5-
sp. A/T)
2000 cc DOHC MIVEC 24 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)
valve V6 at 7500 rpm
DE3A HNFH4 (5-
GP Version R Aero
sp. M/T)
Series
DE3A HYFH4 (5-
(Nov 1997)
sp. A/T)

The end of an era[edit]

In July 2000 new side impact safety standards were to take effect in Japan. With the FTO
sales moving at an ever slower pace, it was deemed not cost effective to update the car
and it was thus discontinued.
Pre-facelift vs Facelift. In respect of FTO ownership, there is some division in preference
for the styling of the front bumper - either Pre-facelift, or Facelift. Interchanging these units
is a relatively simple matter and, as the latter version models have become write-offs over
the years, there are many pre-facelift models now on the road that are sporting newer
facelift bumpers. Future purchasers of an FTO should be aware of this. A simple check of
the VIN Plate details, or the period of manufacture to be found on the seat-belt tags, should
resolve any uncertainty as to the origin of the model-build. Apart from body styling, there
are other less apparent differences in the Facelift models, such as uprated ECU and also
distinct variations to the drive shaft units across the range. Such as 25 or 27-spline shafts
and CV cup variants, as well as fitment for ABS or non-ABS shafts and bearings for same.

Electric FTO (1999)[edit]

An experimental electric version of the FTO was produced (called the FTOEV), utilizing
high-performance lithium-ion batteries, and set a record when it covered 2,000 kilometres
(1,200 mi) in 24 hours in December 1999.[11][12]

Awards[edit]
The FTO won the Car of the Year Japan award for 1994–95 upon its debut, awarded in
December 1994.[3] It was also voted Best Used Sports Car at the British Auto
Trader Awards in November 2007.[13]
A Team Taeivon Ralliart FTO, driven by Takahiko Hara and Akihiko Nakaya, also appeared
in the top five of the GT300 Class in the 1998 JGTC season

Reviews[edit]
Promo Video (Pre-facelift)[edit]
Japanese promotional footage of the early FTO was also released in 1995[14] This has some
helpful graphics of the FTO features found on the GR Sports (a Steel Silver model) and a
GPX (a Passion Red model).
Top Gear (Facelift)[edit]
Just prior to its demise, the FTO became an official import to UK, available from Mitsubishi
dealerships. A review of the FTO facelift model in this period was also given on TV's "Top
Gear" by Vicki Butler-Henderson.[15]
FTO - Europe's fastest FWD (2014)[edit]
Since 2009 the highly modified FTO of owner/driver Richard Batty has consistently popped
up in British drag race runoff results through the years. In 2014 Batty finally gained a new
European FWD Record with 8.859 at 174.59 mph in his 1,051 hp (784 kW) EVO-engined
FTO.[16]

Options[edit]
During the relatively short production period of the FTO there were original equipment
catalogues of a host of options made available. Many items were cosmetic in nature, such
as stickers or chromed goods, although more substantial styling pieces such as side skirts
and spoilers were also available. Practical items such as a passenger air bag, installed in
the dashboard above the glove box, or ski-racks were also listed. There were also special
15 and 16 inch PIAA alloy wheels. Strut braces, as found standard on the GP Version R for
example and machine-stamped 'RalliArt', were also available via the Mitsubishi association
with the Ralliart franchise.
The latter company also carried out modifications to many FTOs during the period in which
they were imported to the UK via that company, based at King Street in Dudley. These
included installation of an aftermarket rear fog-light and its illuminated dashboard switch to
meet UK legislation (Not OEM, or a requirement in Japan). The Company may also have
fitted an 'English' text version of fuse box cover in the engine bay, and/or a RalliArt oil cap.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Traction control system (TCS) (referred to as TCL on
FTOs) can also be found as factory-fitted options on some earlier models such as the
sports GX model. An easy-visual check for fitment of ABS to an FTO is to look in the
engine bay - an alloy block, with six brake pipes emerging, will be present behind the
battery and down against the bulkhead. ABS was standard equipment on facelift models.
The base GS and GR models came without a rear spoiler, which was an OEM Option.

Bodywork Colors[edit]
The FTO models were available in the following 12 colors,[17] identified by the OE paint code
provided within the data of the [Vehicle Identification Number] (VIN Plate) affixed to the
engine bay bulkhead;
Period 1994-2000:

 Passion Red - Code R71/Part No MZ101933 (A bright 'flame' red)

 Pyrenees Black - Code X08/Part No MZ101902 (Black, with a subtle reflective fleck)
 Scotia White - Code W83/Part No MZ101901 (Pure white)
Period 1994-1997:

 Moonlight Blue - Code T88C/Part No MZ101942 (Very dark 'Navy' blue)

 Imperial Red - Code R39C/Part No MZ101956 (A light 'burgundy' red)
 Monaco Red - Code R82/Part No MZ101814 (A dark 'burgundy' red)
 Steel Silver - Code A34/Part No MZ101955 (A metallic grey)
 Timber Green - Code G13/Part No MZ102001 (A dark 'forest' green, as the name
suggests)
Period 1995:

 Dandelion Yellow - Code Y77C/Part No MZ101879 (Warm creamy yellow, unique to

the GPX LE)
Period 1996-2000:

 Symphonic Silver - Code A26A/Part No MZ101952 (A light metallic warm grey)

 Icecelle Blue - Code T73/Part No MZ101977 (A 'pearlised' metallic 'cobalt' blue)
 Kielder Green - Code G84/Part No MZ101908 (A 'turquoise' green)
For some of these colors their popularity was limited. Now, many years since production
ceased in early 2000, certain colored models are now hard to find - such as those in green,
for example. All FTO engine bay/interior body paints are 'flat' or non-metallic closely
matching colors.
Model production by color[edit]
The build quantity per color helps to indicate the OEM rarity of some model builds - some of
which may still be roadworthy, or available in the 2nd-hand market.
Total FTO model production by body color is as follows (color shades in parenthesis):

A34
R71 X08 W83 G1 T73 R2
Y77 T88 R39 (A, G8 ZZ
(A, (A,B (A,B, 3 (A, A26 5
(C) (C) (A, B,C 4 Z Mo
B,C ,C) C,D) Ti D) (A) Ku
Mo Dand Moo C) ) Kie Unli del
) Pyre Scoti mb Icec Symp tan
del elion nligh Imp Stee lder sted To
Pas nees a er elle honic i
Yello t erial l Gre Col tal
sion Blac Whit Gre Blu Silver Re
w Blue Red Silv en or
Red k e en e d
er

159 42
GS 532 841 393 0 348 326 1 3 19 140 1 5
2 01

12
168 529
GR 2872 835 0 826 874 1 2 7 39 0 6 43
0 1
3

GR
Lim
16
ited 357 554 0 0 0 0 690 0 0 0 0 0 1
02
Edit
ion

GR
18
Spo 189 395 346 0 187 105 587 0 0 0 0 0 0
09
rts
Pac
 kag
e

13
GP 183 470
3533 1778 1 807 808 8 4 56 245 0 17 08
X 9 7
3

GP
X
Lim 20
0 0 0 207 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ited 7
Edit
ion

GP 5 11 30 0 12 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 2 78

GP
12
Spe 0 0 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 0 0 0
2
cial

GX
Spo
13
rts 147 252 455 0 0 0 0 3 5 61 415 0 5
43
Pac
k

GPv 54
48 91 402 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
R 2

GX
29
Aer 46 55 124 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 63 0 0
5
o

GPv
R 37
38 46 284 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Aer 0
o

Tot
al 36
488 128
Per 8650 4707 208 2180 2114 14 14 211 902 1 39 80
1 84
Col 5
or

Annual production[edit]
Total FTO model production by year is as follows:

Model
Model 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Total

GS 817 2586 380 206 112 80 20 4201

GR 5423 6726 158 66 37 19 4 12433

GR Limited Edition 0 1602 0 0 0 0 0 1602

GR Sports Package 0 2 1807 0 0 0 0 1809

GPX 2992 8505 1267 566 237 155 81 13803

GPX Limited Edition 0 207 0 0 0 0 0 207

GP 0 1 77 0 0 0 0 78

GP Special 0 0 122 0 0 0 0 122

GX Sports Pack 0 0 0 768 307 199 69 1343

GPvR 0 0 0 353 102 65 22 542

GX Aero 0 0 0 19 144 73 59 295

GPvR Aero 0 0 0 16 199 99 56 370

Total Per Year 9232 19629 3811 1994 1138 690 311 36805

These are Production dates. Whilst some models may have been produced on the
production line to Customer pre-order specifications, the majority would not instantly be
purchased, registered and 'on the road'. For example, an FTO first registered in Japan in
2001 will therefore be at least a year old (from the last Production Year of 2000). If that
used vehicle is then exported and sold in the UK in say 2003, then the DVLA 'first
registered' date is very likely to be 2003.
Chassis Numbering[edit]
Whilst the month/year date on seat belt tags can assist in clarifying a production date when
purchasing a used FTO, the first 3 digits of the Chassis number on the FTO VIN plate
(located on the engine bay baulk-head [i.e. E-DE3A XXXXXXX where 'X' = a chassis
number]) will certainly provide the actual Manufacturing Year:
000 = 1994/1995; 010 = 1996; 020 = 1997; 030 = 1998 etc.
Model Codes[edit]
The model code, usually consisting of 4 digits and stamped on the VIN plate (i.e. HNUE),
can be read left-to-right as follows:
Body Style: H = 2 door coupe
Transmission: N = 5-speed manual / R = 4-speed auto / Y = 5-speed auto
Model Type: U = GS model / H = GR model / G = GPX model / X = GX model / F = GP
model
Engine: E = 1.8 16v / M = 2.0 V6 / H = 2.0 Mivec V6
(Numeric suffixes to these 4 digits generally indicate later model build changes)
A DE2A prefix refers to the 16-valve engine. A DE3A prefix refers to either of the 24-valve
engines.

Total production by transmission type[edit]

The build quantity per 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto and 5-speed auto models.

4- 5-
5-
Speed Speed Gearbox
Model Speed
Semi- Semi- Total
Manual
Auto Auto

GS 1205 2996 0 4201

GR 2306 10127 0 12433

GR Limited Edition 215 1387 0 1602

GR Sports Package 567 1242 0 1809

GPX 4329 8921 553 13083

GPX Limited Edition 20 187 0 207

GP 42 36 0 78

GP Special 22 100 0 122

 GX Sports Pack 460 0 883 1343

GPvR 322 0 220 542

GX Aero 131 0 164 295

GPvR Aero 240 0 130 370

Gear Type Total 9859 24996 1950 36805

Recalls[edit]
Whilst Mitsubishi was given some media attention in 2004 regarding various vehicle
defects,[18] the FTO had four relatively minor defects requiring manufacturer recalls in its
history[19] - three of which were in 2004, some four years after production ceased.
Recall code KJ-0087-0: On 840 models manufactured between 3rd Oct and 7th Nov 1994
(DE2A chassis models, numbered 0000208 to 0000293 and DE3A chassis models,
numbered 0000255 to 0002977) a defect existed in a retainer used in the auto
transmissions.[20] Recalled and corrected models (24th Nov 1994) have a white paint 'dot'
on the 'V'-shaped lever at the top the gearbox.
Recall code RJ-1122-1: Between 3rd Oct 1994 to 3rd Mar 1995 - on 1,251 DE2A models
(chassis numbers 0000008 to 0001566) and 11,816 DE3A models (chassis numbers
0000025 to 0013017) - a section of wiring in the loom relating to idle speed control (aka
'stepper motor') was too short, resulting in fracture disconnection of wires at the motor due
to long-term engine vibration.[21] (The older stepper motor unit itself also has/had a
brown/khaki color plastic unit. Replacements are black plastic).
Recall code RJ-1122-2: For the same dates and models in recall above, the bracket
securing the glovebox had insufficient space to a wiring loom, possibly causing interference
to the wiring due to long-term vibration. Symptoms being a blown fuse, starting failure
and/or failing screen wiper operation. This affected 1,305 of those DE2A models and
12,375 of the DE3A models.[22] Both recall instances and corrected models (18th Jun 2004)
have a white or yellow paint 'dot' on the bottom bolt head of the passenger door lower
hinge.
Recall code RJ-1249-0: On 2,354 models built between 16th Dec 1994 to 6th Jan 1995 -
(341 DE2A models, chassis numbers 0000765 to 0001133 and 2,013 DE3A models,
chassis numbers 0004851 to 0009205) - a wiring loom was too close to the retaining screw
of the dashboard bonnet-release bracket.[23] The result of long-term vibration could result in
fracture of wiring and symptoms such as indicator or speedometer failure. Recalled and
corrected models (28th Sep 2004) have white or yellow paint 'dot' on the head of the
retaining screw.