1996 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 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Mitsubishi Mirage 1996, several common problems have been reported:
- Premature Brake Wear:
- Another significant problem highlighted by owners is premature brake wear, particularly in the 2015 model year.
- Premature brake wear can compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle, necessitating timely brake system maintenance or replacement to ensure optimal braking efficiency.
- Another significant problem highlighted by owners is premature brake wear, particularly in the 2015 model year.
- Clutch Worn Out Quickly:
- Owners have also reported issues with the clutch wearing out quickly, notably in the 2017 Mirage model.
- A worn-out clutch can result in difficulty shifting gears and reduced driving performance, indicating the need for clutch replacement to restore proper functionality.
- Owners have also reported issues with the clutch wearing out quickly, notably in the 2017 Mirage model.
- Faulty Hinges, Door Needs Replacement:
- In some instances, owners have experienced problems with faulty hinges, leading to the need for door replacement, particularly in the 2001 Mirage model.
- Faulty hinges can affect the functionality of the doors, posing safety risks and requiring repairs to ensure proper door operation and security.
- In some instances, owners have experienced problems with faulty hinges, leading to the need for door replacement, particularly in the 2001 Mirage model.
- Radio Lock Due to Incorrect Code Entry:
- Additionally, issues with the radio locking due to incorrect code entry have been reported by owners of the 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage.
- This problem can result in the radio being inaccessible, requiring a specific procedure to unlock it by entering the correct code sequence as outlined by experts.
- Additionally, issues with the radio locking due to incorrect code entry have been reported by owners of the 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage.
- MIL Light with Error Codes P0412, P0403, and P0401:
- Owners have faced challenges with the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light illuminating along with error codes P0412, P0403, and P0401 in the 2001 Mirage model.
- These error codes typically point to issues with the EGR system and catalytic converter, necessitating attention to resolve potential emissions-related problems.
- Owners have faced challenges with the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) light illuminating along with error codes P0412, P0403, and P0401 in the 2001 Mirage model.
These common problems reported by owners of the Mitsubishi Mirage 1996 highlight various mechanical and electrical issues that can impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall functionality. Addressing these problems promptly through proper diagnosis and repairs is essential to ensure the longevity and reliability 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.
What is the fuel mileage on a 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Fuel and Emissions
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel_Hway | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Economy City | 7.2 L/100km |
1996 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
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY MITSUBISHI MAGNA 1996 HAD VERY LITTLE MECHANICAL PROBLEMS BEFORE LAST YEAR WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND NOTICED AND OVERREV AND SUDDEN BUMP INTO 3RD GEAR AND OVER TIME IT FADED OUT TO NOTHING AND THEN I WAS DRIVING IT AND THEN LOST 3RD GEAR COMPLETELY...IT TRYS TO GO INTO THE 3RD GEAR BUT WON'T GO IN AND FALLS INTO NEUTRAL I'VE ASKED MANY AUTO TRANSMISSION PLACES AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA BUT WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME 1000 BUCKS TO LOOK AT IT SO I HAVEN'T HAD IT FIXED AND AM NOW GETTING ANOTHER CAR BUT I STILL WANT CLOSURE. *LN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
- VIN: JA3AA11AXTU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FROM DAY ONE. IT HAS ALWAYS USED OIL, HAVING TO ADD MORE OIL ALL THE TIME EVEN THOUGH I DUE AN OIL CHANGE ON REGULAR BASIS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN LOW ON OIL, AND THE OIL DOES NOT COME ON UNTIL AS THE MECHANICS SAY "ITS BONE DRY". THE AIR CONDITION BELT SQUEAKED FROM DAY ONE, THEN JUST QUIT WORKING. THE WATER PUMP HAS NOW WENT OUT TWICE!!! THE FIRST TIME THE THERMOSTAT ALSO WAS NOT WORKING, WHICH CAUSED ME TO HAVE A MAJOR MECHANICAL BILL...NO WARNING WHILE OUT OF STATE!!! THE WINDSHIELD HAS ALWAYS FOGGED UP NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO TO ELIMINATE IT, WHICH HAS CAUSED ME NEAR COLLISIONS NUMEROUS TIMES. THE WINDOWS SOON BECAME OFF TRACK FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND NOW LEAK WATER. BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS CAR BASICALLY WAS A LEMON. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW, MY FIRST NEW CAR AND MY LAST FROM MITSUBISHI.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11AAPJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11AAPJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11AXPJ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISON IN WHICH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND BACK. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-08
- VIN: JA3AA11AXTU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY WENT TO FLOOR. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REPAIRED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: CSKEKINRU01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1996, MITSUBISHI LANCER; WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. MITSUBISHI CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JA3AA11AXTU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT HAS COME APART FROM THE REST OF VEHICLE POSSIBLY DUE TO A BOLT OR METAL STRESS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-25
- VIN: JA3AA31C9TU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-07
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH CONSOLE INFORMATION CENTER AND HAS NOT GONE BACK OFF, IT HAS BEEN ON FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A2TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING STILL AT A STOP LIGHT IT WAS HIT FROM THE REAR, AND THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS ONE INJURY. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AN INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER SAYS THE LATCH BROKE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-26
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH THE HOOD OPEND AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE OWNER FOUND THE FRAME THAT THE HOOD LATCH IS BOLTED TO HAD CRACKED AT THE RIGHT BOLT AND WAS HANGING DOWN. A SECONDARY LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT SHOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE FAILURE FAILED ITSELF.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4A3AH46GOTE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED DURING ACCIDENT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-13
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS DON'T LOCK, AND THE STRAPS FREQUENTLY BECOME TWISTED. THE STRAPS ALSO DON'T RETRACT PROPERLY. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4A3AX35G1TE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTABLE TOP LEAKS AT THE JOINTS WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-10
- VIN: JA38AA11A7T
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES LOCK UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE DEALER CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER BUT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A4PU
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT 55MPH, AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSEGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. VEHICLE ALSO FLIPPED AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-02
- VIN: JA3AA11A4TU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE STARTS HUMPING, (LIKE A MANUAL TRANS.) THEN CUTS OFF JUST WHEN IS ON PARKING LOT OR ON STREET DRIVEN ABOUT 25 MPH. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A2TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAGS: WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH , SLOWED DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. TRAFFIC AHEAD HAD STOPPED AND VEHICLE DIDN'T SLOW DOWN IN TIME ENOUGH TO STOP. RAN INTO THE BACK OF VEHICLE AHEAD, AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-29
- VIN: JA3AA11A4TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON & STAY; TOOK TO DEALER 8 DIFFERENT TIMES TO BE REPAIRED; COULD NOT FIND OR FIX PROBLEM; DID REPLACE AIR BAG & FAULTY CONTROL UNIT BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AA11A06U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH, IMPACT 12:00 AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. CAUSE UNKNWON, WILL PROVIDE REPAIR ORDER. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, 12:00 POSITION, SPEED 35MPH, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-09
- VIN: JA3AA11A3TU
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLED TO LEFT AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS WHEELS LOCKED UP/WHEEL DISCONNECTED FROM AXLE/STRUT BROKE OFF, JUST HUNG THERE DICONNECTED. LEMON LAW SAID IT IS NOT COVERED, DEALER IS HAVING SOMEONE COME TO LOOK AT CAR. *AK
1996 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 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 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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Hey there! Just wanted to share that my car is pretty awesome - it's lightweight, fun to drive, and has over 120,000 miles on it and still going strong! Can't beat that, right?
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I purchased this car at 44K miles and drove it for 8 years before selling it at 98K miles. The only major repairs I had to make were two wheel bearing replacements, one A/C bearing, and a timing belt replacement (which was suggested as normal maintenance at 60K miles). However, I did experience some minor issues with the gas cap door unlock mechanism and later the door itself. Additionally, there were some issues with rain leaking into the trunk and the trunk latch not working well. The ride could be somewhat noisy due to rattles, and some parts of the car were cheaply made, such as the thin balsa wood used to cover the donut tire in the trunk.
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This is my second Mitsubishi and I can't imagine buying anything else. I had a pickup before and it was great. This car has just turned 170,000 miles and I have never had to do anything with it except very routine maintenance. The gas mileage has waned a bit with age, but it still easily tops 35. The body is in great shape for a car its age, especially considering it has spent its whole life in upstate New York. The only drawback is the leaky trunk - I can't seem to keep the rain out. I'm not sure why Edmunds.com editors have given the new models the thumbs-down, because this car has been the best for me.
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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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Great car!!! Overall, I would have no problem buying another one.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
Q&A: 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage - Common Issues & Solutions
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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 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Tyreek Funk 2024-05-13
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I've been driving my car since June 1996 and it's still getting an average of 38 mpg, both on the highway and in the city.
Keaton Doyle 2024-05-10
This car has been incredibly reliable, only needing regular maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations. At around 150k, I did have to replace the clutch, timing belt, and master cylinder, but it continued to run smoothly until it reached 250k and finally reached the end of its life.