Avoid: 2017, 2014, 2001, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
13 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 17 model years, the Mitsubishi Mirage has 502 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 41 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes. 1997 drew the most complaints (88), 2016 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,193–$14,702.
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.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2017 | 56 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 39 |
| 2014 | 44 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2001 | 34 |
| 2000 | 36 |
| 1999 | 58 |
| 1998 | 44 |
| 1997 | 88 |
| 1996 | 34 |
Highest: 1997 (88 complaints). Lowest: 2016 (1).
Strongly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by high satisfaction with the vehicle's core value proposition of extreme affordability, exceptional fuel economy, and proven mechanical reliability.
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 10.9 seconds, lack of power for highway passing and merging, described as "not enough power to get out of its own way.".
Noticeable at highway speeds, particularly above 70 mph (113 km/h), thin sound insulation.
Described as "tagtag" (bumpy), transmits road imperfections, firm suspension.
Hard plastics, basic design, perceived as low-rent compared to segment competitors.
Approximately 8-gallon capacity limits highway range between fill-ups.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Mirage. Individual model years are broken down above.
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