Across 2 model years, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has 14 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 2012 drew the most complaints (13), 2017 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $3,899–$6,120.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2012 (13 complaints). Lowest: 2017 (1).
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on purchase context and expectations.
Real-world range can drop to approximately 40 miles (64 km) in temperatures between 0-32°F (-18-0°C).
Cited alongside the first-generation Nissan Leaf as an EV with notable battery degradation issues, attributed in part to its air-cooled battery pack.
Described as sluggish, with poor acceleration; notably lost a drag race against a Smart ED.
Described as depressing to look at, feeling like a "golf cart," with a lack of features and refinement expected in a modern car.
Heater is described as "super inefficient," drastically reducing range; owners recommend using seat heaters and bundling up instead.
Owner insights cover all generations of the i-MiEV. Individual model years are broken down above.
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