1988 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.
Social links
Common 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, produced since 1978, has a largely negative reputation, low sales, and availability to match.
One common problem with the Mitsubishi Mirage is premature wear on the front brakes, caused by 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, which can cost owners anywhere from $221 to $262 to replace each time.
Another issue is with the transmission, which has difficulty shifting, typically for older or higher mileage Mirages. This 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 make their way into other components of the CVT, resulting 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.
The interior accessories of the 2015 Mitsubishi 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.
The Mirage’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) also tends to fail, which has caused some of the most significant concerns with owners. When the stability control fails, this can cause drifting and instability with the handling at high and low speeds, making the car unsafe. ESC failure can also cause a misalignment of the Mirage’s front end, which is a significant safety issue, especially at highway speeds. To fix the ESC, owners will need to get their vehicle’s engine computer module reprogrammed and recalibrated by either a Mitsubishi dealership, a licensed repair facility or an ASE Certified mechanic, and it will usually cost between $80 and $150.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Mirage has several common problems, including premature wear on the front brakes, transmission difficulty shifting, compatibility issues with the built-in Mitsubishi Multi Entertainment System Bluetooth, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) failure. These issues can result in significant costs for owners and impact the safety and performance 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.
1988 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Service brakes problems
- Air problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3BA36K1JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *NLM *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3BA36K1JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *YH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-15
- VIN: JA3BA34K5JU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH IS IS A ROUND PROTRUSTION THAT FITS INTO HOLE ON BODY OF CAR. ROUND PROTRUSION IS HELD IN PLACE BY SMALL FLAT SIDED PIECE OF METAL THAT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH INSTEAD OF BY POSITIVE CLAMPING ACTION. WHEN THE SPRING OR WHATEVER KEEPS THE SLIDING PIECE AGAINST THE PROTRUSION IS BROKEN OR WEAKENED, THE HOOD FLIES UP OBSCURING THE DRIVER'S VISION. THIS IS SCARY AT NIGHT ON A WINDY ROAD.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-04
- Fire: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: POSSIBLE SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY REED VALVES FAILURE ,PER RECALL NOTICE, RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE, NOTICE NOT RECIEVED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-07-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3BA36K5JU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- VIN: JA3BA36K3JU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR SEATBELT BUCKLES DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- VIN: JA3BA36K3JU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR SEATBELT BUCKLES DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
- VIN: JA3BA36K3JU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAME LOOSE DRIVER WENT FORWARD CAR WAS TOTALED . TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF BOTH REAR LAP BELTS, WHEN SEATBELT BUCKLES BECOME STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. TT
1988 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
Anyone having A/C issues? (not cold, compressor cycling every few ...
Its weird since the lancer will get so cold that I actually have to turn it off My wife's 18 mirage is fine. ... 1988 Cordia L Turbo (trade in).
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 ...
Review: High Altitude Made the Mitsubishi Mirage Nearly ...
Also went to Sequoia national park in my 2014 manual with 3 people in the car, no issues. mitsu's in the family 2024 Mirage SE 2021 Mirage ES ...
Q&A: 1988 Mitsubishi Montero Manual Transmission - Expert Answers
Oct 14, 2020 ... Hello Debi, sorry to hear you are having issues with the Mistubishi. this can be a fuel or ignition issue. the one thing I suggest you do when ...
4N14 engine balance shaft problems | Mitsubishi Forums
Jul 29, 2020 ... The balance shaft drive coupling failure is an extremely common problem with this engine worldwide. It is probable that ALL unmodified engines ( ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
Are you having problems with your 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Leave your review of 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage