1985 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a range of cars produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1978 until 2003 and again since 2012. The hatchback models produced between 1978 and 2003 were classified as subcompact cars, while the sedan and station wagon models, marketed prominently as the Mitsubishi Lancer, were the compact offerings. The liftback introduced in 1988 complemented the sedan as an additional compact offering, and the coupé of 1991 fitted in with the subcompact range. The current Mirage model is a subcompact hatchback and sedan and it replaces the Mitsubishi Colt sold between 2002 and 2012.
Nameplate history
The Mirage has a complicated marketing history, with a varied and much convoluted naming convention that differed substantially depending on the market. Mitsubishi used the Mirage name for all five generations in Japan, with all but the first series badged as such in the United States. However, other markets often utilized the name Mitsubishi Colt and sedan variants of the Mirage have been widely sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer—including in Japan where the two retailed alongside one another. In Japan, the Mirage was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.
In the United States and Canada, the first four generations were sold through a venture with Chrysler as the Dodge Colt and the similar Plymouth-badged Champ and Colt. Later, the venture brought the Eagle Vista and Summit branded models which sold alongside the aforementioned. Confusingly, Chrysler has also offered an unrelated Dodge Lancer at various stages between the 1950s and 1980s. However, when DaimlerChrysler briefly controlled Mitsubishi through the DaimlerChrysler-Mitsubishi alliance from 2000 through to 2004, the license to the "Lancer" name was relinquished to Mitsubishi for usage in North America. Thus, after the fifth and final generation Mirage, replacement models in North America have adopted the new name.
Mitsubishi introduced replacements for the fifth series of Mirage, starting in 2000 with a new generation of Lancer—now larger, having moved up to the compact segment. Then in 2002, a subcompact five-door hatchback badged Colt globally became available. By 2003, the Mirage and its derivatives had been completely phased out of mainstream Japanese production. For the 2002-era Colt's replacement in 2012, Mitsubishi decided to resurrect the Mirage name internationally for a new sixth generation model.
With the rising popularity of boxy subcompact SUVs in Japan, the Mirage nameplate was used on a domestic market-only model called the Mirage Dingo, from 1999. The Dingo was facelifted in 2001 and canceled in 2003. However, New Zealand sold a very different Mirage from 2002—a rebadged Dutch-manufactured Mitsubishi Space Star labeled Mirage Space Star. This vehicle was not very popular and was discontinued in 2003.
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Common 1985 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, particularly the 1985 model, has been known to have several common problems that affect its overall performance and safety. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners:
- Premature Wear on Front Brakes: The 1985 Mirage has a problem with premature wear on the front brakes due to an overuse of the front brakes by the overall braking system. This can result in symptoms like vibrations when braking, loud 'squeals,' or grinding. The only remedy is for Mirage owners to replace the front brake pads more often than the car's original recommended maintenance schedule, and it can cost owners anywhere from $221 to $262 to replace each time.
- Transmission Difficulty Shifting: The transmission in the Mirage has difficulty shifting, especially in older or higher mileage models. This issue is caused by binding between the transmission synchronizer, which tells the transmission when to shift. While causing some potential issues, owners can resolve this issue by including an additive with the transmission fluid to help break that binding between the two components. If this doesn't work, owners can purchase a new synchronizer kit from Mitsubishi. If left unresolved, the synchronizer could start scraping metal shavings off the gear, which can result in the transmission failing. Replacing or repairing a severely damaged transmission can be expensive, as a complete replacement can cost between $4,830 and $5,023.
- Interior Accessories Issues: Some of the interior accessories in the Mirage have also been a source of issues for owners. One of the biggest complaints has been with a possibility of a compatibility issue with the built-in Mitsubishi Multi Entertainment System Bluetooth and more up-to-date smartphones. Many owners have reported that the Bluetooth will not stay connected to newer phones and that they cannot reconnect once this happens. Generally, resetting the CPU by disconnecting the battery for ten seconds will resolve this issue. However, it is likely to happen again in a short time.
These common problems with the 1985 Mitsubishi Mirage can be frustrating for owners and can lead to expensive repairs. It's essential to stay up-to-date on essential maintenance and consider purchasing an auto protection plan like Advantage to help cover the costs of these repairs and ensure the safety of the vehicle.
What is the common problem of Mitsubishi Mirage?
Common Issues With the Mitsubishi Mirage
No start to the failed distributor. Front brake wear troubles. Airbags that do not deploy as expected. Shifting issues with the manual transmission.
What is the weakness of Mitsubishi Mirage?
However, the weak, vibrating, and incredibly noisy three-cylinder engine provides sluggish acceleration, handling is clumsy, and the cabin is depressingly low-rent. Further lowering its standing is its poor score in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. The Mirage began as a small car with a jumpy, uncomfortable ride.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
The Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 21 for subcompact cars.
How long will a Mitsubishi Mirage engine last?
With proper care, regular maintenance, and attention to driving conditions, it's not uncommon for a Mitsubishi Mirage to last well over 100,000 miles and even reach 200,000 miles or more.
1985 Mitsubishi Mirage car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Mirage problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Mitsubishi Mirage.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-13
- VIN: JT5RN55D0F0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLES SNAP AT THE HUBS/FAIL DUE TO DUAL WHEELS DESIGN. *SKD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-28
- Number Of Deaths: 3
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: UNK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK EXPLODED DURING ACCIDENT IMPACT, CAUSING DEATHS OF PASSENGERS (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *SKD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
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