1998 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 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, produced in 1998, has been known to experience several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is the failure of the distributor, which has affected 27 car owners. The distributor plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the car's ignition system, and its failure can lead to a no-start condition.
Another common problem with the Mitsubishi Mirage 1998 is premature brake wear, which has been reported by many car owners. This issue is particularly prevalent in the 2015 model year, with an average cost to fix of $900 and an average mileage of 13,000 miles. The brakes are a critical safety feature of any vehicle, and their premature wear can significantly impact the car's safety and performance.
The Mitsubishi Mirage 1998 has also been reported to have issues with the clutch wearing out quickly, particularly in the 2017 model year. This problem has an average cost to fix of $2,300 and an average mileage of 22,000 miles. The clutch is a vital component of the car's transmission system, and its failure can lead to difficulties in changing gears and driving the car.
Additionally, the Mitsubishi Mirage 1998 has been known to have problems with faulty hinges, which can cause the doors to need replacement. This issue has been reported in the 2001 model year, with an average cost to fix of $2,000 and an average mileage of 35,000 miles. The doors are an essential part of the car's structure, and their proper functioning is crucial for the safety and comfort of the car's occupants.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Mirage 1998 has been known to experience several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include failures of the distributor, premature brake wear, quick clutch wear, and faulty hinges. These problems can significantly impact the car's safety, performance, and comfort, and car owners are advised to be aware of them and take appropriate measures to address them.
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.
1998 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
The NHTSA has received 44 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: JA3AY36C3WU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND DEFECTIVE TIRE BLEW OUT - NOT SURE OF CAUSE (TREAD SEPARATION, SIDEWALL CRACKS, ETC.) INCIDENT TOSSED PASSENGERS VIOLENTLY ABOUT THE CAR - CAR SLIGHT AIRBORNE DAMAGED WIRES UNDER HOOD OF CAR; CAR TOTALED
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-18
- VIN: JA3AY26A0WU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY MIRAGE HAS LESS THAN 72,000 MILES ON IT. WITHOUT SYMPTOMS OR WARNING, THE CAR OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED TWO HEAD GASKETS AND POSSIBLY BROKE THE PLATE. THAT'S CATASROPHIC DAMAGE! IT'S BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND HARDLY DRIVEN. AT LESS THAN 72,000 MILES IT WILL COST MORE TO REPAIR THAN IT'S WORTH. THERE WAS NO INDICATION WHATSOEVER! IT JUST DIED ON THE FREEWAY, GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR. THE RADIATOR WORKED PERFECTLY! OF COURSE MITSUBISHI JUST TRIED TOV SELL ME A NEW ONE. THEY COULD NOT HAVE CARED LESS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-01
- VIN: JA3AY11A2WU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGE PROBLEM. DOOR WAS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OPEN OR CLOSE FOR ONE MONTH, THE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE ENOUGH TO TURN OFF THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR. AFTER TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE HINGE WAS THE PROBLEM. *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-15
- VIN: JA3AY26AXWU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE A 98 MISTSUBISHI MIRAGE I BEEN TRYING TO PASS EXPECTION SINSE APRIL 15TH MY CAR FAILED 17 TIMES I CONTACTED BAY RIDGE MISTSUBISHI 813-64TH STREET BROOKLYN NEW YORK 718-238-4144 THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 2 WEEKS NOW FIRST THEY SAID I DONT DRIVE THE CAR ENOUGH THEN MAYBE THE COMPUTER IS BROKEN I HAD THE CAR TUNED UP I TAKE GREAT CAR OF MY CAR IT STILL FAILS EXPECTION WHAT SHOULD I DO I HAVE NO CAR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JA3AY26A0WU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK ON THE JUNE 5 AROUND 6:25 IN THE MORNING DRIVING ABOUT 65 MHP WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE HOOD OF MY CAR (MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 98') FLEW UP INTO THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETLY SMASHING IT AND BLOCKING MY VIEW.AS GLASS WAS SHATTERING INTO MY FACE I MANAGE TO PULL OFF FROM THE CROWDED FREEWAY AND CALL 911 AND THEY ADVISED ME TO STAY IN THE CAR AND WAIT FOR THE POLICE TO ARRIVE, ONLY WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED AND MY FEAR SUBSIDED WAS THAT I REALIZED HOW MUCH IT HAD DAMAGED MY CAR AND HOW LUCKY I WAS TO WALK AWAY FROM THIS EVENT. THE POLICE OFFICER ON THE SCENE STARTED TO DO A REPORT ON THE ACCIDENT AND TOLD ME THE HOOD LATCH APPEARED TO HAVE BROKEN FROM THE CROSSMEMBER THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO, THEN WE PROCCIDED TO GET MY CAR TOWED AWAY AND FILE A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE. LOOKING BACK ON TH EVENTS ON THAT MORNING IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE TURNED TRAGIC AND WANT TO MAKE OTHER OWNERS AWARE THAT THIS VERY WELL COULD HAPPEN TO THEM TOO, I ALSO WANT MITSUBISHI TO LOOK INTO THIS THAT BASED ON WHAT I THINK IS A MANUFACTURES FAILURE THAT COULD COST MANY PEOPLES LIVES. I CAN'T SEEM TO IMAGINE THAT A CAR THAT IS 7 YEARS OLD IS COMING APART. AS OF TODAY JUNE 10 THERE IS NO WORD ON HOW MUCH IS GOING TO COST TO FIX IT BUT IT APPEARS THAT IS GOING TO BE A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE DAMAGE IT CAUSED TO THE REST OF THE CAR.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-29
- VIN: JA3AY36C9WU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I AM AN ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1998 MIRAGE. THIS WINTER MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE (STIFF). EVENTUALLY, MY OPEN DOOR LIGHT BECAME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED. AFTER THAT, THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE APPROPRIATELY. IT SEEMED IT WAS HANGING DOWN AND BEGAN RUBBING ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR. AT THIS POINT, I WAS GOING TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT WHEN THE DOOR FELL ON ME. I HAD TO USE A JACK TO RAISE AND CLOSE IT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE DOOR IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI. I ASKED IF THEY HAD HEARD OF ANY SUCH INCIDENTS. HE RESPONDED, HE HAD NOT HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE IT BUT REFERRED ME TO MY NEAREST MITSUBISHI DEALER. I TOOK IT IN THE NEXT DAY, BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT MY CAR BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A SMALL FENDER BENDER 2 YEARS AGO THAT AFFECTED THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY BUMPER. I EXPLAINED THIS TO HIM BUT HE WOULD NOT DEAL WITH THE SITUATION. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE DOOR PROBLEM IS IN ANY WAY ASSOCIATED. NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-23
- VIN: JA3AY36C8WU
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 - 60 MPH REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AFTER TURNING ON THE DEFOGGER. METALLIC STRIPPING ON THE WINDOW WAS RED BEFORE THE WINDOW SHATTERED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-26
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JA3AY264XWU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES FAILED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED THERE WAS A DELAY BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGED. THIS CONDITION CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NM AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE THE DRIVER HIT A PILLAR. THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGER'S WERE INJURED. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-25
- VIN: JA3AY26AXWU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 1998 MITSUBISH MIRAGE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DONE 2 TIMES IN 10,000 MILES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-14
- VIN: JA3AY26A1WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT RECALL 00 V 311 001 DEFECT OCCURRED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE DEALERSHIP HAD CHECK THE CRANK SHAFT PULLEY AND INDICATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, AND DIDN'T NEED REPLACEMENT.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR BURNED OUT. *NLM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- VIN: JA3AY26A7WU
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT TIRES STARTED TO SHAKE, HAD THE TIRES BALANCED, ROTATED, ETC. MECHANIC PUT THEM ON BACK. THEY SHAKE LIKE UNREAL. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, IT DID NOT DO THIS (BOUGHT USED). IT SEEMED TO HAPPEN OUT OF THE BLUE. DT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-31
- VIN: JA3AY11A5WU
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR FLIES OPEN WHEN DRIVING AFTER IT HAS BEEN SECURLY LOCKED. CONTACTED DEALER.THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-15
- VIN: JA3AY36C8WU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKING. DEALER STATED THAT FUEL TANK HAD RUSTED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AKTHE GAS TANK AND THE ENTIRE FUEL LINE IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT UPON INSPECTION SINCE THE FUEL TANK HAD RUSTED, MITSUBISHI DECIDED THE FUEL TANK WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *JG
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AY26A9WU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-13
- VIN: JA3AY31C6WU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SINCE THE THIRD DAY OF PURCHASE, I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THE SALESMAN ALL THE PROBLEMS AND HE SAID THAT THE CAR HAS A NEW INVERT SYSTEM AND IT WILL GET USED TO THE WAY I DRIVE THE CAR. BEFORE THE MONTH OF PURCHASED, THE CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVEN AND IT HAD TO BE TOWERED TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE PEOPLE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ALARM SYSTEM. THEY CHANGED THE CABLES RELATED TO THE ALARM, BUT AFTER THAT THE CAR I TOOK THE CAR MANY TIMES TO THE SERVICE CENTER. THE CAR SHIFT THE GEARS NO MATTERS THE SPEED. WHILE STOP ON THE RED LIGHT, THE CAR GIVE A BUMP LIKE I HAD BEEN HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. MANY TIMES THE ENGINE STOP WHILE I WAS WAITING THE RED LIGHT TO CHANGE OR DOING A STOP SIGNAL. BESIDES THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP USED TO TURN ON AND ONCE THEY CLEARED THE COMPUTER. THEN WHEN THE CAR WAS ALMOST OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY ADMITTED THAT ALL THE PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION AND PROCEEDED TO FIXED. THIS WAS ON JULY 2001 AND THE CAR STILL GOES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AY26A9WR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED MIRAGE. IMPACT PUSHED VEHICLE INTO A VAN. AFTER IMPACTING VAN, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES, HAD EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT.*AK *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-05
- VIN: JA3AY26A7WU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY CAMSHAFT BROKE IN HALF DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT WAS A MAUFACTURERES DEFECT BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JA3AY26AXWU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: [SEE ODI ID: 705306, MY PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL] THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS ARE WOEFULLY INADEQUATE FOR THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE A MANUFACTURING DESIGN DEFECT. WE HAD TO TURN THE ROTORS TWICE AFTER BUYING IT, WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD (36,000 MILES). MITSUBISHI SAYS IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS. THEY WARPED AGAIN AND THE NEW ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED ONCE AND ARE MAKING NOISE AGAIN, AND THE CAR SHAKES DURING BRAKING, INDICATING THEY NEED TO BE TURNED YET AGAIN. DURING HIGH SPEEDS, IF I APPLY BRAKES, THE CAR VIBRATES BADLY, AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IF I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. THE DISC ROTORS WEAR OUT VERY FAST, AND ARE TOO THIN AND WARP EASILY.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-17
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS SELF INSPECTNG TIRES, AND NOTICED THAT TREAT ON TWO FRONT TIRES AND REAR TIRE WAS SEPARATING. GENERAL TIRE, DOT ACP2N71200XP2000. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ENGINE STALLS WHEN DRIVING. ALSO, TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK INTO GEARS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEMS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE, THE FIRE INSPECTOR FOUND FAULT WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE INJECTION SYSTEM WAS POORLY DESIGNED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS HAVE BEGAN TO FALL AT HINGES. DOORS ARE UNALIGNED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: IT POTHOLE CAUSING ME TO RUN UP ON THE CURB. THERE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT IMPACT FOR MY BODY TO BE THROWN FORWARD, BUT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ANYWAY. DAMAGE TO THE CAR IS LIMITED TO TO A CRACK ON THE LOWER LEFT FRONT GROUND EFFECT AND A CRACKED TRANSMISSION PAN.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AY2665WD
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
- Summary: WAS BACKING UP & HEARD A POP, THEN DRIVER'S SEAT SNAPPED BACKWARDS. FOOT WENT STRAIGHT OUT, AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED & HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. DRIVER SEAT CAN BE PUT BACK UP. *AK
1998 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES: MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L ENGINES; MONTERO SPORT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES; AND MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: ON THE MIRAGE VEHICLES, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, IMPROVED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT ON THE OLDER ENGINES. ON NEW ENGINES WHICH ALREADY HAVE THE IMPROVED BOLT, THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI AMERICA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A POORLY MANUFACTURED VACUUM CHECK VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE BETWEEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE VACUUM BOOSTER CHECK VALVE CAN STICK TO THE VALVE BODY.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN REDUCTION OR LOSS OF VACUUM BOOST, REDUCING BRAKE EFFICIENCY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE.
Negative 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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When you first get a car, you want it to last. I was lucky enough to find this one in 1/99 with only 11,000 miles on it. Despite what some people, including a mechanic, told me, I decided to take a chance on it. And boy, am I glad I did! Over 80,000 miles later, it's still going strong. It's been on several long distance trips, a couple of years of a lot of commuting, a little off road abuse, and my poor maintenance habits. It's been a great first car and perfect for a young family.
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I think that after installing a turbo oversized exhaust and a cold air intake, my car has become much faster and lighter. Currently, it has 160 hp, but I'm still working on it. Overall, it's a great car that I absolutely love!
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The Mirage is an incredibly reliable car. I have driven over 97,000 miles on my car and have not experienced any major mechanical issues, except for the brakes which were of poor quality when they came from the factory. I have kept up with the scheduled maintenance of the car and the engine, transmission, and air conditioning still run perfectly. My only complaint was the very cheap radio that came with the car, which stopped working when the car was only a year old.
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For the first three years, I drove this car extensively, covering over 36k miles per year, mostly in the Appalachian Mountains. The Yokohama tires that came with it lasted about 90k miles, and the seat covers still look great. I get an average of 40 mpg overall, which is fantastic. Although it struggled a bit in deep snow or on icy grades on rutted dirt roads, it handled very well in snow on paved roads. Unfortunately, it now has a bit of tapping when it starts, and the suspension is losing out to the rough dirt road where we live now. I'll have to give it up soon for something with more clearance and traction, but it will be sorely missed.
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I'm so glad I bought this amazing little car at an auction a few months ago for only $1000! I was shocked when I cleaned it up the next day and took it for a spin - it ran like a dream! Everything was in perfect working order and it only had 129,000 miles on the clock. The gas mileage is fantastic and the body looks great. I've even ordered a spoiler and some euro lights for it, and I'm planning to put some rims on it and tint the windows! Overall, I'm extremely happy with this car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
1998 Mitsubishi Mirage Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
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Jul 28, 2023 ... RepairPal gives the Mirage a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 7th out of 21 subcompact cars. The model also has excellent ownership ...
Mitsubishi Mirage 2000 Coupe: Q&A on Common Problems ...
Apr 22, 2009 ... I have a mitsubishi mirage 2000 1.5L coupe. My problem is that when i accelerate my engine feels like it is bogging out - Answered by a ...
1998 Mitsubishi Mirage Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
Are you having problems with your 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Horacio Beahan 2024-06-24
The car shares many similarities with other Mitsubishi models, as I learned while working for Mitsubishi Forklift. However, the design could use some improvement. Unfortunately, I had a near head-on collision and found the emergency handling to be extremely dangerous. Although I was lucky to come out of it okay, the poor handling caused a roll-over. Similarly, my daughter recently sold her car due to other issues.
Cleve Sipes 2024-04-28
Hey there! I'll get straight to the point. The car was pretty reliable for me, until the engine blew out 2 years after I bought it. It completely fried the engine! Before that, it was slow but had great gas mileage. The exterior is not bad for an entry-level car, but the interior could use some work.
Jasper Rutherford 2024-04-03
The gas mileage is great! This makes it cheap to operate and it has never left me stranded on the side of the road (knock on wood). I have done little more than upkeep type repairs, such as changing the timing belt, engine seals, and routine oil changes.
Flavio Douglas 2024-02-29
The purpose of this vehicle was to buy something economically efficient for the purpose of driving back and forth to work from Ohio to Indiana. It really has been a great little car!