1991 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 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage is known to have several common problems, particularly related to its transmission, engine, and airbags.
Transmission issues are a significant concern for Mirage owners. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move at the desired speed. However, transmission problems can lead to shifting delays, grinding when accelerating, shakiness, whistling noises, and a burning smell coming from under the hood.
Engine problems are also prevalent in the 1991 Mirage. One specific issue involves the cylinder head, where consumers have reported issues with cylinders purchased from third-party suppliers, such as D&S Light Truck and Auto Parts, Inc. In some cases, these suppliers have refused to refund money or replace the faulty parts. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that any replacement parts meet Mitsubishi's quality standards to avoid engine-related issues.
Airbag problems are another area of concern for the 1991 Mirage. During rear-end collisions, the airbags may fail to deploy, potentially causing the passenger seat to come unlocked and fly forward. This issue can lead to severe injuries, especially if the vehicle is involved in high-speed collisions. Therefore, it is essential to have the airbag system inspected and repaired if necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle's occupants.
In summary, the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage has several common problems related to its transmission, engine, and airbags. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from becoming severe, ensuring the vehicle's longevity and safety.
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 a Mitsubishi Mirage a good reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the Mitsubishi Mirage, compared to an average of 11% for subcompact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
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.
1991 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage
The NHTSA has received 42 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-19
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CPSC#X11C0565A. CYLINDER HEAD. 1991 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE PART FROM D&S LIGHT TRUCK AND AUTO PARTS, INC. HE STATED THE CYLINDER WAS BAD AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO REFUND HIS MONEY OR REPLACE THE PART. *LN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-19
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CPSC#X11C0561A & XX11C0565A. 1991 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE CONSUMER STATED AFTER INSTALLING CYLINDER HEAD, HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH. *LN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VALVES NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE LEARNED THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS BAD. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAD 4 BRANDNEW GOODYEAR TIRES PUT ON MY CAR 1MONTH AGO AND THE TIRES AREN'T A BIT OF GOOD. ONE TIRE ON THE FRONT STARTED SEPARATING ON THE INNER WALL WHICH WE WERE UNAWARE OF UNTIL I WAS ON THE HWY ONE DAY AND LIKED TO GOT KILLED!! I NOTICED THE CAR WAS NOT RIDING AS IT SHOULD IT WAS LIKE DRIVING DOWN A REALLY BUMPY ROAD. MY CAR SWERVED INTO THE OTHER LANE WHERE A 18WHEELER WAS ABOUT 4 SEC OFF FROM HITTING ME. I PULLED OFF TO FIND A BIG HOLE THE SIZE OF MY PINKY WAS VISIBLE THEN IN THE INNER WALL. TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP THEY FIXED THE TIRE WITH A REPLACEMENT. THE VERY NEXT DAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND REALIZED THE CAR WAS NOT RIDING RIGHT AGAIN AND NOTICED BLACK CHUNKS OF TIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND PULLED OVER TO NOTICE CRACKS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE OTHER FRONT TIRE. I ONLY GOT 1500 MILES ON THESE TIRES!!!!! TIRE BRAND P175/80R13. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4A3CU56Y3ME
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER SMELLED PLASTIC/RUBBER BURNING AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED A LEAKAGE. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS USING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE COMBO SWITCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *SC *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4A3CU26A6ME
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED 4 BRAKE FAILURES WHILE DRIVING. AS A RESULT, ON TIME THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A DITCH. BRAKE PAD SEPARATED FROM THE CALIPER AND FELL OFF. THIS WAS DUE TO THE CASTING FOR THE BRAKE PAD HARDLY GOING INTO THE FLAT. ANOTHER TIME THE PROBLEM WAS WORSE WHEN THE PADS WERE NEW.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES HAD 30 THOUSAND MILES ON THEM. TIRE SIZE WAS 155R13. TIRES MOUNTED ON A MITSUBISHI, MIRAGE, 1991. WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER THREE HOURS, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEWOUT. ALSO, THERE WERE SOME CRACKS AROUND RIM. TIRES WERE REPLACED.*AK *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA3CU24A4MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I READ WITH INTEREST THE REPORTS OF PROBLEMS WITH MITSUBISHI AUTOMOBILES, AS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS REPORTED - A LOOSE CRANKSHAFT - IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM WE HAD WITH OUR CAR. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU AS THE NEWS ACCOUNTS I'VE READ TALK ONLY ABOUT CARS IMPORTED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS AS POSSIBLY BE SUBJECT OF RECALL. I WONDER IF THE RECALL SHOULDN'T COVER CARS, LIKE OURS, A GOOD DEAL OLDER THAN THAT. OUR SPECIFIC PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 1996 WHEN THE CAR HAS ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT. THE CRANKSHAFT PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED BY PHIL LONG MITSUBISHI IN COLORADO SPRINGS. CO.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA3CU26A8MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE STOPS UNPREDICTABLY. I HEAR A CLICK THAT SEEMS TO COME FROM UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, THEN THE ENGINE STARTS AND WILL NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. USUALLY, AFTER SOME MINUTES, IT WILL RESTART. IT WILL EVEN STOP AT HIGH SPEEDS, AS IT DID WHEN I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE ON A LONG BRIDGE, AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ON-COMING SEMI-TRUCKS. AS THE DEALER ADVISED, I REPLACED BOTH THE COMPUTER AND THE RELAYS, YET THE PROBLEM PERSISTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE ADD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON 3 OCCASIONS WITHOUT WARNING OR HESITATION ,CAUSING POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: 4A3CU26A5ME
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED 35MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER A SECOND TIME, AND INFORMED OWNER THAT THE CLUTCH HAD A LEAK, AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VEHICLE'S LOW SPEEDS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-13
- VIN: JA3CU24A2MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING DUE TO COMPUTER FAILURE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-16
- VIN: JA3CU26A2MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-15
- VIN: 4A3CU26A0ME
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHEN DOOR CLOSES AUTOMATIC FRONT RIGHT SHOULDER BELT MAY NOT SLIDE BACK/FORWARD, LEAVING OCCUPANT UNPROTECTED. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, NOT CHECKED BY DEALER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, STICKING IN THIRD GEAR. WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT INTO DRIVE THE ONLY FORWARD GEAR IS THIRD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-18
- VIN: 483C426A1ME
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING COMPUTER SHUT OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE TOTAL POWER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-27
- VIN: JA3CU24AXMU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#95V103004); CALLED DEALER OFF AND ON SINCE RECEIVING IT. DEALER HAS NO PARTS SINCE 6/96, AND DOES NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL BE IN, BUT WILL CALL OWNER WHEN THEY DO COME IN. AS OF APRIL 16, 1997, DEALER HAS TAKEN CARE OF THE REPAIRS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3CU2487MU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE DURING THE IMPACT OF A CRASH. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3CU2442MU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH FROM "DRIVE" TO "PARK" WITHOUT WARNING, A SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BARRIER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-15
- VIN: JA3CU24A5MU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: POOR AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT PERFORMANCE, WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT PERIODICALLY TENDS TO APPLY ITSELF TOO TIGHTLY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3CU26A8MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE,SMELLED OF FUEL ODOR, STARTED GETTING STRONGER WHILE DRIVING ALONG, PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF IGNITION, CHECKED UNDER HOOD, FIRE BURNING ON TOP OF ENGINE AREA. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES IN THIS VEHICLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS . CONSUMER IS NOW ON THE THIRD SET.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: JA3CU26A0NU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S LAP/SHOULDER BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT, WILL NOT RELEASE LOCKS IN THE GUIDE LOOP. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-20
- VIN: JA3CU26A7MU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT STICKS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4A3CU26A4ME
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSEGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT JAMMING SOMETIMES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: JA3CU24A0MU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT/CLOSE AFTER STARTING ENGINE.
1991 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Negative 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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The car is great!
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Your car sounds amazing! It was a part of your life for over 24 years and ran strong for over 190,000 miles, mostly in the city. It never failed to start, never overheated, and never leaked any oil. You took great care of it, getting regular oil changes, tune-ups, and keeping the coolant and brake fluid levels up. Your mechanic even said it was easy to work on! It's impressive that it held up so well in accidents, even when hit from behind at high speeds. It's clear that your Mirage was a little tank that kept you safe. It's a shame that someone who wasn't certified worked on it and made a mistake. Thank you for sharing your story with us!I'm almost positive that if I had not done that, I would have gotten at least 50-75,000 miles out of that car. I can't speak for anyone else's experience, but mine was excellent!
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Best car I've owned!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
1991 Mitsubishi Mirage Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
The Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 21 for subcompact cars.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage really such a bad car? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
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Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
Are you having problems with your 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Cyril Moen 2024-03-12
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to let you know that I've had very few problems with this car. It's been incredibly dependable.