1986 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 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker, has been known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. This article will focus on the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage and its engine problems, based on the complaints from owners.
One of the most common engine problems reported by 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage owners is the car blowing blue smoke from the exhaust. This issue is typically caused by worn-out piston rings or valve seals, which can lead to oil leakage into the combustion chamber. As a result, the engine burns the leaked oil, producing blue smoke from the exhaust. This problem can be addressed by replacing the worn-out parts, but it can be quite expensive, especially if the engine is heavily damaged.
Another engine problem reported by Mirage owners is the car staying on when turned off. This issue can be caused by a faulty ignition switch or a malfunctioning neutral safety switch. The ignition switch is responsible for turning off the engine's electrical system when the key is removed, while the neutral safety switch prevents the engine from starting when the transmission is not in the neutral or park position. If either of these switches is faulty, the engine may continue to run even after the key is removed, posing a significant safety hazard.
The 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage engine problems can be quite expensive to fix, especially if the engine is heavily damaged. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help identify potential problems before they become severe.
In summary, the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage has some engine problems that owners have reported over the years, including the car blowing blue smoke from the exhaust and the car staying on when turned off. These issues can be quite expensive to fix, so it is crucial to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help identify potential problems before they become severe.
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.
1986 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-06
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NAR 03/13/2003 WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *CB *JB
1986 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
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MITSUBISHI MIRAGE Recalls List by Year
The largest recall of the model came in 1999 when cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with 6 issues. The common problems for this model: ...
Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability and Common Problems - In The ...
Jul 28, 2023 ... Common problems for the Mitsubishi Mirage include malfunctioning air bags, screeching brakes, failing A/C units, and premature brake and tire ...
Thinking of buying an 84-88 Malibu? - Casey Aviation, Inc.
... issues are related to the engine and items forward of the firewall. ... Mirage, except the fuel burn will be 22 GPH on the Mirage. ... Mitsubishi MU2 December 2, ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
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