1997 Mitsubishi Mirage: common problems and reliability
88 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Mirage?The 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage has 88 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Mirage?
Across the 18 Mirage model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2016) to 88 (1997). With 88 complaints, the 1997 Mirage sits above 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 1997 Mirage
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 00V311001VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES: MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L ENGINES; MONTERO SPORT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES; AND MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 09E025000DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO 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 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Mirage against its rivals
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