1989 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 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, first introduced in 1989, has been a popular choice for drivers seeking a compact and efficient vehicle. However, like any car, it is not without its common problems.
One of the most frequently reported issues with the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage is premature brake wear. This problem has been reported by many owners of the model year, with some noticing that their brakes wore out as early as 15 miles, while others had to deal with worn-out brakes with 30,000 miles on their odometer. Several factors can contribute to premature brake wear, including failure to flush brake lines and switch to lower gears, constantly traveling under high speeds, using warped rotors and calipers, and traveling with excess weight. Replacing faulty brake discs and pads can cost anywhere between $50 and $200 plus labor costs.
Another common complaint among some 2015 Mirage owners is premature tire wear. This problem is typically caused by improper inflation pressure and out-of-spec alignment conditions. There have also been some reports that the tires would stick and the front axle would sometimes vibrate.
Some 1993-1999, 2001, and 2014 Mirage redesigns have had issues with a faulty distributor. This issue can cause the vehicle to have trouble starting or idling roughly, and can be resolved by replacing the distributor, which can cost anywhere between $100 and $400 plus labor costs.
Additionally, some 1993, 1995, 1998, and 2001 Mirage redesigns have had problems with a stuck ignition key. This issue can be resolved by replacing the ignition lock cylinder, which can cost anywhere between $40 and $60 plus labor costs.
Many 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage owners have complained about their doors falling off due to a faulty door hinge. This issue can be resolved by replacing the door hinge, which can cost anywhere between $50 and $100 plus labor costs.
While the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage has a good reliability rating and excellent ownership costs, these common problems can still affect the vehicle's performance and safety. It is important for owners to stay up-to-date with routine maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise to ensure the longevity and safety of their 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.
Are Mitsubishi Mirages reliable?
The Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $457 which means it has excellent ownership costs.
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.
1989 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
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-03
- VIN: JA3CU26X2KU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPORTED ENGINE STALLING SINCE 1992. MECHANIC FOUND PLAY IN CRANKSHAFT SPROKET. REPAIR AUTHORIZATION WAS DENIED BY WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE DONE SINCE THEN RESULTING IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED,DUE TO STALLING OR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. THE LATEST REPAIR WAS THE ENGINE COIL REPLACEMENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-11
- VIN: JA3CU26X7KU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT SEAL FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-23
- VIN: JA3CU26X7KU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FRONT AXLE FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-23
- VIN: JA3CU26X7KU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVELINE BOOT FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- VIN: JA3CU34X8KU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE BOLT IN THE CRANKSHAFT KEEPS COMING LOOSE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, PREVENTING BELT FROM BUCKLING. *AW
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-02
- VIN: JA3CU26X4KU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T GO IN OR LOCK. TT
1989 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage really such a bad car? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Jul 4, 2023 ... Not as spiffy but better mpg and none of the CVT issues the versa has. Personally I wouldn't touch Nissan with a ten foot pole. The sedan has ...
Q&A: 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage - Common Issues, Troubleshooting ...
Feb 28, 2010 ... What causes stall and hesitation in my 1999 Mitsubishi mirage, 1 - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic.
Difficulty shifting into reverse - manual transmission - MirageForum ...
... common w/ mitsu's. I previously drove a 1989 plymouth colt/mitsubishi mirage last summer that was similar. My buddy's old talon/eclipse ...
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 ...
Mirage cranks but no start! - MirageForum.com
It's a known issue that a Mirage then will have problems to start. ... Yeah, that's super common. I ... If your Mitsubishi Mirage won't start try ...
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