Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Mirage options? We analyzed 10 model years (2015–2024) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Mirage has 95 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls across model years 2015–2024. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Mirage
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2024 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 95
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Crash-related complaints
- 25
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (28 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
Mitsubishi Mirage: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe MITSUBISHI MIRAGE has 95 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 25 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 95 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 25 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
6 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2024. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 95 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
95 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The vehicle is experiencing rapid and excessive wear on the front tires, resulting in a significantly reduced tread life of approximately one month. As the tires approach a critically bald condition, the vehicle exhibits compromised traction, manifesting in a pronounced wobble and pull in the steering system. Concurrently, multiple warning systems are activated, including - ABS light - Lane Departure Warning - Traction Control Warning - Service Engine Warning - Front Collision Warning My vehicle was involved in an incident where it lost traction and rear-ended another vehicle. The reoccurring lack of control as well as traction when the tire start wearing makes it extremely unsafe to drive. It is also unrealistic financially to keep replacing tires.
Every once in awhile when stopped at a stop sign or light and you hit the gas to go the car will do multiple jumps like manual transmission car. Very uncomfortable and worried that there is something wrong.
Vehicle was bought in March 2024. 08/19/2024 took the car too Mitsubishi Birmingham Alabama for FCM warning lights and breaking system not working. Was told that the system was working and they have done all they can. 08/19/2024 -10/28/2024 I have been in contact with Mitsubishi Motors and have been told that I almost have to hit the vehicle in front of mine before system works. I have requested to meet with their DPSM as of 10-28-2024 no meeting, was told by Mitsubishi Motors that I had met with DPSM this is not true. I have attempted to get the system to function following all types of vehicles, I have set the distance at all intervals allowed and it does not sound alarm nor apply brakes, this applies to pedestrian traffic also. The FCM has not worked from March 2024 - 10/28/2024
I had a very serious accident last week while driving my 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. The front of my vehicle was significantly impacted, but none of the airbags were deployed. I can't believe that this nearly brand-new car, which had all the inspections and services at the manufacturer's centers, has this problem. This is a life-threatening failure of a crucial safety component that didn't work during the accident. Everything has been documented by both the insurance company and myself and can be shown to other parties.
RECALLS ON MITSUBISHI MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. STATES THE HEAD LIGHTS AND AOR BAGS NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I NEVER GOT NOTICE FROM THEM FOR THE RECALLS IN THE MAIL NOR AN EMAIL. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH MAINTENANCE LIGHT ON DASH GOING OFF WHEN OIL CHANGE WAS DONE ON MY CAR. WINDSHIELD HAD SMEAR GLARE DURING RAIN AND AFTER RAIN OCCURRED CAUSEING ME NOT TO SEE FAR DISTANCE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT.
The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the brakes with an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the calipers had seized. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors had been replaced 5-6 times in a year; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
THE WIRES IN THE REAR NEAR FUEL PUMP HAVE DEGRADED CAUSING THE FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE.. UPON INSPECTION THE WIRES ARE FRAYED AND POSSIBLE FIRE HAZAARD AS ITS AT THE FUEL PUMP I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON 2017-2023 MODELS INCLUDING THE G4 AND HATCHBACK. THE KEEP SAYING ITS MICE BUT IT IS A SEALED AREA AND NO POOP OR OTHER DAMAGE
On [XXX], I was traveling back to Colorado from Missouri. The weather conditions turned poor while I was traveling just west of Topeka, Kansas. I lowered my speed to below the speed limit and continued. At one point, the car lost control. At this time, it veered to left and hit hard against median. Smashing the driver side front end substantially. Airbags did not deploy at this time. My head smashed into the frame to the left of the steering wheel concussing me. (Diagnosed later by an ER Doctor, notes provided in upload) After hitting on the left median, the car then bounced across both lanes of the highway and smashed the concrete median of an overpass. On this second collision the airbags also did not deploy. Before 2023 was over or in the first few days of 2024 I notified Mitsubishi of the issue. They quickly sent me a company called: TM Claims Service, Inc. Out of Pasadena, California. I provided them all of the documentation months ago and have received no communication after they've received it. To my knowledge, there were no previous issues with the airbags or the system that runs them. If I had to estimate the first impact would have been between 50-60mph and the second at least 40-50mph. I could have easily been killed in this situation and I am disappointed in the handling of this. Note the Police Report is not as specific as this and implies one collision, as seen in the photos provided there were two. At this point I do not know where the vehicle is, as it almost been a year and I was trying to work with Mitsubishi on this. I do know if the airbags were inspected following. [XXX] is my correspondence trying to resolve this matter or have it further investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags didn't deploy after impact in crash. Safety of driver was put at severe risk due to such malfunction of deployment of air bags. Vehicle has been inspected by the police and the insurance company. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. AEB didn't engage when driver applied breaks during crash. Safety of driver was put at severe risk due to such malfunction of this breaking system. Vehicle has been inspected by the police and the insurance company. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
So after my car at about 2,000 miles on it my front strut mounts gave out I had them inspected and was told that they were bad the car was practically brand new I was having a lot of noise coming from the front end and I noticed that my car took a lot longer to brake than it should. And I believe that this is a safety concern because it shouldn't be going out that soon and the increased breaking distance associated with it increases the risk of accidents. And the strut mounts should not be bad from that early on. Also another problem that my vehicle has had that I haven't gotten diagnosed yet is there is a popping sound coming from the transaxle where the axle goes into the transmission and a delay in acceleration sometimes and other times my car randomly jolts forward. And I have to explanation as to why. And the third problem that I've had from about the same mileage as my car randomly not turning on though not a safety concern unless you really need to get somewhere it still shouldn't have that problem with so little miles and it's never been in an accident. I just remembered one other thing my car rolls if the parking brake is not on which I feel like that is a safety concern it will roll about a good four or five inches and it is really sketchy and it does not have enough mileage on it to be doing this and I have never been in an accident it started doing this around the same time all these problems arose around about 2,000 miles on my car and I have to have my e-brake on just to feel comfortable to park it and I have a friend who also has a Mitsubishi and hers doesn't do that and I feel like it has something to do with the popping sound in the transmission area.
My 2019 mirage kept shutting off at random times. Although it started right back at first now it won't start at all. I was driving and with no warning my car shuts off and I'm on a pretty busy highway and I have to steer it off the road traffic flying by me. My so 2 years is in the car as well and his safety as mine was put in jeopardy and is something that needs to be fixed right away. And needs to be first on recall list.
The component is the vehicles radio system. When the vehicle is started with the key, the radio immediately comes on without pushing the button. The radio is turned off manually before turning the vehicle off. This is a safety complaint and a safety distraction when driving in reverse or foward. I have almost hit other people and objects, because you dont expect the radio to come on without manually turning it on. The vehicle was seen at the deallership, and the problem confirmed. This vehicle was purchased brand new. The problem was noticed a few months after the purchase, but it was not being driven daily. No warning lights or messages have been noted. Now as a daily driver this safety concern exist, every time the vehicle is started
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and called roadside assistance per the manufacturer's manual. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact became aware from the side view mirror that the rear driver’s side hubcap had detached from the wheel of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side and rear passenger’s side hubcaps had also detached. An independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 - 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond or move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery was not charging the computer. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 19,036.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REDUCING SPEED AND ABRUPTLY ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE REGAINED NORMAL OPERATION. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
THE SRS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SIMILAR ISSUE. I MAKE SURE THE VEHICLE IS MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND TAKEN TO THE SHOP WHEN NEED BE. WHEN THE SRS SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON, I HAD JUST STARTED MY CAR AND THE LIGHT REFUSED TO TURN OFF.
WHEN HAVING TO BRAKE WITH ANY SUDDENNESS AT ALL, I MET TWO EXTREMES. THEY EITHER ENGAGED SO ABRUPTLY EVERYTHING WAS THROWN FORWARD, OR THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE ENOUGH. SUDDEN- I DESCRIBE THIS TYPE OF BRAKING AS WHEN BEING CUT IN FRONT OF. THE NECESSITY TO BRAKE IN THIS MANNER WOULD THROW MY DOGS AND BELONGINGS INTO THE FLOOR. IT HAPPENED FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION. IT SEEMED IRREGULAR TO ME. EXTREME- #1: I ENCOUNTERED A PILE-UP OF TRAFFIC UNEXPECTEDLY AND OUTSIDE OF THE USUAL SLOWING AREAS FOR THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW SUFFICIENTLY. THE DOGS WERE NOT THROWN TO THE FLOOR. I AVOIDED COLLISION BY MOVING TO ANOTHER LANE. A TERRIFYING MOMENT, BUT THE BRAKES RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONS UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. #2- AS I DROVE AROUND A MOUNTAINOUS BEND AND NEGOTIATED SOME TRAFFIC, I WAS FACED WITH A CAR AT A FULL STOP AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK A SHORT DISTANCE AHEAD OF ME. I SLAMMED MY BRAKES. THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW ENOUGH. NOTHING WAS THROWN FORWARD UNTIL THE COLLISION. AS MY FOOT WAS FULLY PRESSING DOWN ON THEM, I QUESTION IF THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED UNDER EXTREME BRAKING AGAIN. NORMAL- (2000 MILES ON THE CAR)I APPROACHED A STOPLIGHT AT THE END OF A STEEP ROAD. THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND A MECHANICAL POP-LIKE SOUND. I LET OFF OF THEM THEN REAPPLIED SLOWLY SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE CAR STOPPED. THE SOUND REPEATED EVERY TIME I BRAKED. IT SOUNDED AS IF I CONTINUED TO BRAKE, THEY WOULD BREAK. THE NOISES DISSIPATED AFTER I CONTINUED. I REPORTED IT AT MY FIRST OIL CHANGE. HE SAID THEY WERE FINE. ON REVIEW AT THE SALVAGE LOT, THE BRAKES APPEAR NORMAL YET REMARKABLY SHINY AND UNUSED FOR 14,500 MILES. OTHER: THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THOUGH THE CAR TOTALED. THE DISPLAY WAS OFTEN IN FRENCH THOUGH ENGLISH WAS SELECTED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE BRAKES ARE IN ANY WAY RUN BY THE COMPUTERIZED PART OF THE CAR SO I ADD THIS DETAIL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE BRIGHTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE DISTANCE OF THE LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EDD KIRBY'S ADVENTURE MITSUBISHI(400 W M. L. K. BLVD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 374402, (706) 278-1122) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP, AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A RAILROAD TRACK WITHOUT WARNING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V686000 (19V330000) (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AT 888-648-7820 AND NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,502. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Showing 20 of 95 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Mirage
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Mirage, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Mirage has 95 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Mirage has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 25 of the Mitsubishi Mirage's 95 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Mirage has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mitsubishi Mirage.
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Mitsubishi Mirage reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
Below Average. The Mitsubishi Mirage has 95 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mitsubishi Mirage years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (28 complaints), 2018 (10 complaints), 2019 (5 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Mirage problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (30 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Mirage. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.