1987 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 1987 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, produced between 1987 and 2003, is known for several common issues that affect its performance and reliability. One of the most prevalent problems is related to the engine, with some drivers reporting issues such as engine stalling, particularly when the car is idling or coming to a stop. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty idle control valve, a clogged fuel injector, or a problem with the ignition system.
Another common issue reported with the Mitsubishi Mirage is related to the transmission. Some drivers have reported that the transmission shifts roughly or slips out of gear, particularly at higher speeds. This could be due to low transmission fluid levels, a damaged transmission component, or other issues.
In addition to engine and transmission problems, the Mitsubishi Mirage may also experience issues with the air conditioning system, power windows, and electronics. These issues could be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty components, wiring issues, or problems with the car's computer system.
For the second generation of the Mirage, produced between 1983 and 1987, common issues included problems with the transmission, including shifting problems or the transmission slipping. Additionally, some car owners experienced issues with the engine stalling or idling roughly.
For the third generation of the Mirage, produced between 1987 and 2003, common issues included problems with the fuel system, including the fuel pump or fuel injectors failing. Additionally, some car owners experienced issues with the electrical system, including problems with the alternator or battery.
Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure safe and reliable driving for Mitsubishi Mirage owners. It is important to note that these issues are not exclusive to the 1987 model, but are common across different generations and models of the Mitsubishi Mirage.
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 engine reliable?
RepairPal gave the Mitsubishi Mirage a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating. This car has a lower than average annual repair and maintenance cost, frequency of repairs, and probability of needing a major fix.
What is the common problem of Mitsubishi?
1) Transmission Issues
Mitsubishi transmission issues have been a cause of concern for many owners, leading to frustrations and potentially costly repairs. Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or complete transmission failure.
1987 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Mitsubishi Mirage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3BA36K7HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED, DRIVER STARTED VEHICLE UP AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-17
- VIN: DLB285177H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FLOOR MOUNTED SHOULDER HARNESS DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-15
- VIN: JA3BA36K9HU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER'S SHOULDER/LAP BUCKLE WOULD NOT HOLD; SEPARATED IT MINIMUM PRESSURE; MALE PORTION PULLED OUT WITHOUT USING RELEASE BUTTON. TT
1987 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1987 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 1987 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
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