2002 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 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage, a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker, has been praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Based on owner complaints, some of the most prevalent issues with the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage include:
- Malfunctioning Air Bags: Some 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage owners have reported issues with the air bag system. This can be a serious safety concern, as properly functioning air bags are crucial in protecting occupants during a collision.
- Screeching Brakes: Another common problem with the 2002 Mirage is screeching or noisy brakes. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out brake pads, damaged rotors, or contaminated brake fluid. Regular brake maintenance and inspections can help prevent and address this problem.
- Failing A/C Units: The air conditioning system in some 2002 Mirages may fail or perform poorly. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or a damaged condenser.
- Premature Brake and Tire Wear: Some owners have reported excessive wear on the brakes and tires of their 2002 Mirages. This can be caused by various factors, such as aggressive driving habits, improper alignment, or worn-out suspension components.
In addition to these common problems, the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage has also been known to have shifting issues in some manual transmission models. Some owners have reported a lack of clutch power when shifting into first and second gears, which is typically caused by binding between the synchronizer and gear surface. A special friction modifier can be added to the manual transmission fluid to correct this condition.
It is important for Mirage owners to be aware of these common issues in order to stay on top of their vehicle's repair and maintenance needs. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these problems from arising and keep the car running smoothly for a long time.
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.
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.
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.
2002 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
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-18
- VIN: JA4LS21HX2J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANSKHAFT BOLT SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING ON ICY ROADS. THE INCIDENT ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, HARMONIC BALANCER, AND TIMING BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A LOCAL AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SHEARED BOLT WAS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET IDENTIFIED SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE INCLUDING RECALLS ON DIFFERENT MITSUBISHI MODELS AND THE SAME MODEL BUT WITH DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT ES. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-21
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 4 YEARS OLD, 24K MILES, NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DOOR LIGHT CAME ON. DRIVER SIDE DOOR MISALIGNED. THERE WAS HALF AN INCH SPACE BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND THE BODY FRAME. IT GOT MORE DIFFICULT TO OPEN EVERY DAY. THREE WEEKS LATER, THE DOOR COULDN'T OPEN AT ALL. DEALER LUBRICATED AND FREED-UP SIEZED LOWER DOOR HINGE, STRAIGHTENED, REWELDED, REASSEMBLED AND ALIGNED DRIVER'S DOOR.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4MW31R62J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER ACCIDENT EVEN AFTER VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-26
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CLUTCH DISC ON A 2002 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS EATEN UP DOWN TO THE BARE METAL, STARTING TO EAT AWAY AT THE FLYWHEEL AND CHIP THE DRIVESHAFT BECAUSE I WAS NOT INFORMED IN ANY WAY THAT THE CLUTCH DISC WAS A WEAR ITEM AND WAS DISAPPOINTED WHEN I FOUND OUT. THE CLUTCH DISC WAS FAULTY, IN COMPLETE SHREDS ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO CLEAN OUT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE PRESSURE PLATE, THROW OUT BEARINGS, PILOT BEARINGS, FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH DISK. THOSE ARE THE PARTS REQUIRED TO DO THIS JOB. HAD I KNOWN BEFORE HAND THAT MY CLUTCH WAS A WEAR ITEM I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT TO BE CHECKED OUT. IT WAS UNFAIR TO ME AND MANY OTHER OWNERS OF MITSUBISHI VEHICLES WHO WERE NOT INFORMED EVEN VIA TELEPHONE TO MITSUBISHI MOTORS. I WAS ALSO LEAD TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. MAYBE NOT THE WORST COMPLAINT BUT AN INCONVENIENCE AND A NUISANCE NONE THE LESS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-28
- VIN: JA4MW31R92J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I STARTED HEARING A NOISE WHEN THE AC WAS ON. I TOOK IT INTO A SERVICE DEALER AND HE STATED MY AC COMPRESSOR WAS GOING BAD. AND THAT AT 32,500 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I AM TAKING IT TO A MITSUBISHI DEALER SAT- TO DIAGNOS THIS AND TO MAKE SURE MITSUBISHI PAYS FOR IT. WARRANTY OUT 3/2005 - BUT CAR UNDER MILES AND VERY WELL KEPT. I WAS TOLD BY 3 SERVICE DEPT'S AN AC COMPRESSOR ON A CAR WITH 32,500 MILES SHOULD NOT BE GOING BAD AND MITSUBISHI SHOULD PAY FOR IT. (2 OF THE 3 WERE MITSUBISHI DEALERS) I WANT THIS PAID FOR AND TAKEN CARE OF BY MITSUBISHI... I WAS GOING TO TRADE IN ON A NEW ONE, BUT WE'LL SEE HOW THEY HANDLE THIS TO SEE IF THEY KEEP ME AS A CUSTOMER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-31
- VIN: JA4MW31R52J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AN UNUSUAL SCREECHING NOISE COMES FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS AT REST, IN MOTION AND WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT A BOTTOM ENGINE NOISE, AFTER A QUICK INSPECTION THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIS MANAGER OF A SUPPOSED RAPID LEAK OF OIL, RESULTING IN DAMAGE OF PARTS. I EXPLIANED TO THE MANAGER THAT I'VE OWN THE CAR SINCE NEW AND THERE NEVER BEEN AN OIL LEAK BECAUSE IM THE ONE WHO HAVE DONE THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE PAST 2 YRS, THAT THE GREASE HE SUPPOSED IS OIL IS THE AMOROLE ACUMULATING UNDER THE CAR FROM RECENT DETAILING DONE BY MYSELF. THE MANAGER CONTACTED THE WARRANTY AND WITHOUT HEARING AN EXPLANATION OR CLOSELY INSPECTING THE CAR THE DECIDED THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE FIXED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-03
- VIN: 4A3AA46H02E
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FACTORY DEFECTIVE PAINT SPOTS ON HOOD,DAMAGE TO HOOD DURING MAINTENCE BY DEALERSHIP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-07
- VIN: JA3AY31C62U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT HAS CAME ON FOR THE FOURTH TIME ON 5.7.04 AFTER IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED AFTER THE THIRD TIME IT WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON 4.26.04. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN SEVERE CRASH WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN FACIAL INJURIES AND CRACKED RIBS TO THE DRIVER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-19
- VIN: 4A3AE85HX2E
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLOWOUT. PLEASE PROVIDE THE SIZE AND DOT#. DEALER NOTIFIED. TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA3AY26E6YU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE APPYING BRAKE AT 25-30 MPH THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND CAUSES A REAR END COLLISION AND TOTAL THE VEHICLE, DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM
2002 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2002 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 CARIBBEAN
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
Negative 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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It's so great to hear about your experience with your car! It sounds like it was the perfect choice for you to start learning with. Despite its size, it's easy to change lanes, park, and maneuver through tight spaces, and it's fast once it kicks in. It's wonderful that you plan on keeping it with your Lexus. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is just starting to learn how to drive!
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Great little econobox! It's super quiet and smooth. It feels like a tight little car so far. We're not disappointed in the scoot out of this one, even with the automatic. We got exactly what we expected and feel like we got a lot of car for the money. Other manufacturers should take note.
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It's great to hear that you find the car zippy and fun to drive! The pick-up is decent and the ride is solid even at highway speeds. Additionally, it's very good on gas mileage. The controls are easy to reach too.
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The moment I laid eyes on this car, I was amazed by its looks and ride. In its class, the Corolla, Civic, Focus, and every other car pale in comparison. It's simply the best. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't have a Mitsubishi Mirage!
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The Mirage DE Coupe is a blast to drive both in the city and the countryside. It's stylish both inside and out, with a sporty look that makes it seem like it should cost much more than it actually does. You get a lot of value for your money with this car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage problems:
Mirage Issues? (I'm considering buying a used or leftover Mirage ...
Mitsubishi has historically offered the lowest prices on these vehicles during that time period, to the point where buying a new one would cost ...
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.
Buying a Used Mirage? Things to Look For / Common Problems ...
Buying a Used Mirage? Things to Look For / Common Problems · 2013-2014 -Some early models have intermittent starter grind which will only get ...
Mitsubishi Mirage Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top Mitsubishi Mirage Problems · No start to to failed distributor · Front brake wear issues · Airbags may not deploy as expected · Manual Transmission Shifting ...
Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability and Common Problems - In The ...
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 ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
Are you having problems with your 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Rocio Haag 2025-01-07
You have a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage with a manual transmission and 160,000 miles on it. You've owned it for 2 years and have only needed to make occasional repairs, such as replacing the brake pads and spark plugs. It may be a basic car, but it's proven to be very reliable!
Odell Hodkiewicz 2024-10-17
This car is easy to drive and picks up speed quickly. It has good brakes and a big trunk, making it a great second car or starter car. However, the exterior paint nicks easily and the shifting can be a tad rough. Additionally, the antenna is in a really bad place. Overall, it's a decent car with some minor flaws.
Arlo Roberts 2024-01-16
The best thing about this car is how little fuel it uses. I haven't had any major mechanical problems with my car, just some wear and tear issues. Overall, I really love the car! Although, I do wish it had a bit more horsepower (only 91hp).