1995 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 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage is known for a few common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are the details of the three most frequently reported issues:
- Oil Leaks: Another common problem reported by Mirage owners is oil leaks. The source of the leak is not always clear, but it can be caused by driving over an unknown object or other "freaky circumstances" as one owner described it. Oil leaks can lead to more significant engine problems if not addressed promptly, so it is essential to have any leaks inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
- Headlight Damage: The third most common problem reported by Mirage owners is damage to the headlights. This issue can be caused by objects, such as balls, being thrown into the headlights. Damaged headlights can reduce visibility and make driving more dangerous, so it is essential to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
While these are the most common problems reported by Mirage owners, it is important to note that many owners have reported that the car is highly reliable and has caused them few problems over the years. As one owner put it, "It has been the most reliable car I've ever driven". However, like any car, the Mirage is not immune to problems, and it is essential to be aware of these common issues and address them promptly if they arise.
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 a reliable car?
According to repairpal.com, the Mitsubishi Mirage scores 4. ⁄10. This number places it 7th out of 21 compact vehicles. Although the Mitsubishi Mirage has some years that struggle, it's generally dependable and offers excellent value for the price.
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.
1995 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage
The NHTSA has received 76 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-18
- VIN: JA3AA11A9SU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE ROOF IS RUSTY
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-17
- VIN: JA3AA21A8SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA31C8SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. HIS VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATED THAT THEY WERE ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. HE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE SPEED AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,468.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT END COLLISION, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA31CXSU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 1. REAR-END COLLISION. THERE WERE NO VISUAL OR MECHANICAL DEFECTS OBSERVED BEFORE OR AFTER THE ACCIDENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND. WHILE STOPPED, THE SEAT SOUNDED AS THOUGH IT ZIPPED THROUGH THE GEARS IN THE CHAIR AND THE BACKREST AT THE SAME TIME, LEAVING THE BACKREST LOCKED IN THE RECLINE POSITION. I WAS THROWN BACKWARD AND THE SEAT BELT EXTENDED ALL THE WAY OUT AND WRAPPED AROUND MY RIGHT LEG JUST ABOVE THE KNEECAP INJURING MY BACK AND NECK. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED HAD THE SEAT NOT FAILED. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-01
- VIN: JA3AA31C7SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30-35 MPH THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
- VIN: JA3AA31C0SU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE LOST OIL, DEALER REPLACED LEAKING CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, SUDDENLY SHUTTING OFF. DEALER REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR TO CORRECT CONDITION. *AK *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA3AA11AXSU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FAILURE TO START AND/OR MAINTAIN IDLE IN WET WEATHER. AUTO LURCHES, SPUTTERS. ACCC MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A0SU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS THE RED PAINT TURNED BLACK IN THE HOOD'S CENTER. AS I ATTEMPTED TO GET TO THE SHOULDER, SMALL DEBRIS WAS FALLING FROM MY CAR. PILLARS OF DARK BLACK SMOKE OBSTRUCTED MY VIEW. I WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE THE TRAFFIC AND GET OFF THE FREEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RAN TO A SAFE DISTANCE. WITHIN A MINUTES THE INTERIOR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. SEE PICTURES AT WWW.STUDENTSAVIOR.COM/CARPICS.HTM. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA3AA31C9SU
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE SCREW HOLDING THE BULB GROUND HAD LOOSENED. IT LEAD TO A PREMATURE BULT FAILURE. AFTER TIGHTENING AND BULB REPLACEMENT, IT IS FINE.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA31C7SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND VEERED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND HIT VEHICLE. SHE WAS LEANING FORWARD AND HER HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD.UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 TO45 MPH, ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER, CONSUMER HIT OTHER DRIVER'S REAR DOOR AND TIRE, AND NONE OF CONSUMERS FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-17
- VIN: JA3AA31CXSU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEEL BEARINGS ON ALL 4 WHEELS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, DEALER STATED HE HAD NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE. *AK RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED 4 TIMES, ALL OTHER BEARINGS HAVE FAILED 1 TIME. PASSENGER DOOR SWITCH FAILED. *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A8SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVEING 45-50 MPH HAD FRONT CRASH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE TOTALLED, DAMAGE $ 5450. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-28
- VIN: JA3AA11A2SU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAN BELT SLIPS, DEALER FIX AND IT STILL SLIPS- READ IN NEWSPAPER WHERE THIS IS A COMMOM PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE DUE TO IMPROPERLY TIGHTEN CRANK SHAFT PULLY. WANTED TO ADD MY INPUT TO THIS PROBLEM AS IT SAID THAT THERE COULD BE A POSSIBLE RECALL FOR THIS. ALSO, ENGINE HAS A TENDENCE TO SURGE AS YOU ARE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-09
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION TESTED & IT CAME UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC READING THAT VEHICLE DOESN'T TAKE 3RD & 4TH GEAR. FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE VEHICLE WILL SKIP & FALL INTO NEUTRAL. DEALER COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA31C5SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING COLLISION IN WHICH VEHICLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT, BECAME AIRBORNE AND FLIPPED END TO END AT LEAST 4 TIMES, DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HEAD, NECK AND BACK. NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH VEHICLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT AND ALSO BECAME AIRBORNE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- VIN: JA3AA11A2FU
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING DOESN'T WORK. MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP TOLD CONSUMER THAT COMPRESSOR CLIP BROKE, AND AIR CONDITIONER BLOWS OUT HOT AIR. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA31C4SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: HEAD-ON COLLISION DURING WHICH AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, ALLOWING DRIVERS HEAD TO HIT WINDSHIELD. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE STOPPING ON WASHINGTON BLVD CONSUMER WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR. BACK END OF VEHICLE AND BACK SEAT HIT STEERING WHEEL, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS FACE AND CHEST INJURIES. ALSO, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CONSUMER INDICATED IF AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, THE INJURIES WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO SEVERE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-25
- VIN: JA3AA11AXSU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, OTHER COMPLAINTS WERE MADE ON THIS SITE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, HIT FRONT, AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-03
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A1SU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DURING TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENTS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS. MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 50 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1995 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage.
- Manufacturer: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Negative 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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I have owned this car for 14 years and it has been a great companion. It is very dependable, gets good gas mileage, and is comfortable to be in. It even does really well in the snow for such a small car, thanks to its weight that keeps it from getting blown around. I am really sad that it is getting old and I may have to replace it, but I will always cherish the memories we made together. I never had any problems other than regular maintenance until the past few years. However, the Lancer feels cheap in comparison. In my opinion, the Mirage needs to be reinstated!
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The only complaint is about the seat covers, as they don't last very long. I have seat covers myself. Additionally, the low beam lights are very poor, making it difficult to see the road. I have had to install extra lights on the front bumper to improve visibility. Lastly, the trunk leaks sometimes.
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Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned having one major problem with your car. It sounds like it might be a common issue that can be fixed easily. Let me know if you need any help finding a solution!
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This car has been incredibly reliable, even in the freezing North Dakota winters. It starts up every morning without fail and handles the snow like a champ. Plus, it gets great gas mileage, so I never have to worry about filling up too often.
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The car has been great on gas mileage and the engine has held up well without any major repairs needed. The only issue I had was with the check engine light, but it turned out to be a problem with a sensor rather than the engine itself. The car has been in two accidents, one in the right front bumper area and the other in the left side door and wheel areas, but both were repaired by an approved body shop. Overall, the car has been reliable and I have not had any major concerns.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
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Are you having problems with your 1995 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Donavon Herzog 2024-10-06
This has been a great reliable car. Although it lacks power of any sort, it has been a dependable ride. The interior is very cheaply made and the seats have not faired very well, more from a poor design than anything else. The engine still runs very well and it gets moderate gas mileage in town but improves greatly on the highway. This car has been very good to us.
Jamison Christiansen 2024-08-18
My Mirage has proven to be a highly reliable car, with only a minor issue of water accumulation in the trunk causing rust near the back-end. Overall, I am confident in the car's dependability.
Wilhelm Bogisich 2024-07-12
I've been driving my Mirage for 5 years now. Although I've had a few issues with the motor, transmission, and starter, I was eventually able to find someone to fix it. The starter was particularly difficult to fix due to its awkward location. Additionally, the trunk and backseats are a bit small if you're carrying a baby around like I am. However, I'm considering selling it for a car with more room. Overall, my experience with the Mirage has been good, but I'm ready for a change.
Deshawn Wilkinson 2024-06-20
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my 1995 Mirage. It was such a great car for the first 2 1/2 years, but unfortunately, I ran into some issues at 68,000 miles. The rear seal started to leak and the automatic transmission went out without any warning. It was a bit of a bummer, but I was able to get it fixed for $1200. Since it was an LS coupe, the insurance was a bit high, but overall I still have fond memories of my Mirage.
Declan Wunsch 2024-02-16
I got this car when I first started driving. It's been 8 years since I bought it for a ridiculous amount, and I'm happy to say that the only problem I've had was with the power steering pump (which was an easy fix). It's a great car to learn how to drive with, as it's very reliable and gets great gas mileage. While it may not be a sports car, it has excellent handling.