1996 Mitsubishi Mirage: common problems and reliability
34 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1996 Mirage?The 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Mirage?
Across the 18 Mirage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2016) to 88 (1997). With 34 complaints, the 1996 Mirage sits about the same as the model's median of 34.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Mirage
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E065000CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
What owners say across generations
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Mirage. See the full Mirage owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Mirage listings typically run $11,193–$14,702 across 2017 to 2024 model years.
Other Mirage model years
Compare every Mirage year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Mirage against its rivals
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