2021 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 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage problems
The Mitsubishi Mirage has been a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient car, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage, based on complaints from owners:
- No Start or Failed Distributor: This issue has been reported by 27 owners, making it the most common problem with the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. The car may not start or may have difficulty starting due to a failed distributor. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the distributor, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning ignition system.
- Premature Brake Wear: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2015 Mirage being the worst year for brake problems. The brakes may wear out quickly, requiring frequent and expensive repairs. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor brake design, low-quality brake materials, or aggressive driving habits.
- Clutch Worn Out Quickly: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2017 Mirage being the worst year for clutch problems. The clutch may wear out quickly, requiring frequent and expensive repairs. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor clutch design, aggressive driving habits, or a lack of maintenance.
- Faulty Hinges, Door Needs to be Replaced: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2001 Mirage being the worst year for door problems. The hinges on the doors may become faulty, causing the door to sag or not close properly. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor door design, wear and tear on the hinges, or a lack of maintenance.
- Difficulty Working with the Opening and Closing System: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2000 Mirage being the worst year for opening and closing system problems. The car may have difficulty opening or closing the doors, windows, or sunroof. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor design, faulty wiring, or a lack of maintenance.
- Electrical System Troubles: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2014 Mirage being the worst year for electrical system problems. The car may have issues with the battery, alternator, or other electrical components. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor electrical design, faulty wiring, or a lack of maintenance.
- Faults with the Braking Construction: This issue has been reported by several owners, with the 2015 Mirage being the worst year for braking construction problems. The car may have issues with the brakes, including premature wear, leaks, or other faults. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor braking design, low-quality brake materials, or aggressive driving habits.
It's important to note that not all 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage owners will experience these issues, and that the car has received generally positive reviews for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability. However, if you are considering purchasing a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage, it's a good idea to be aware of these common problems and to consider factors such as maintenance history, warranty coverage, and the availability of replacement parts.
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.
Are Mitsubishi Mirages reliable?
The Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $457 which means it has excellent ownership costs.
Does Mitsubishi Mirage last long?
How long do Mitsubishi Mirages last? Typically, a Mirage will survive 130,000-150,000 miles. Unfortunately, this means they aren't worth investing in if you find a used one with six digits on the odometer. Still, the Mirage might be the right choice for some people with proper care.
2021 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
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ML32AUHJ4MH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I had a very serious accident last week while driving my 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. The front of my vehicle was significantly impacted, but none of the airbags were deployed. I can't believe that this nearly brand-new car, which had all the inspections and services at the manufacturer's centers, has this problem. This is a life-threatening failure of a crucial safety component that didn't work during the accident. Everything has been documented by both the insurance company and myself and can be shown to other parties.
Negative 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
Positive 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage car reviews
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I've had my Mirage for about 6 months now and I absolutely love it! It's the perfect car for someone like me who doesn't want a huge SUV. The interior is nice and it gets the job done. Even though the average speed limit is 50 where I live, the speed is never an issue. Plus, I only have to fill my tank once a month! I highly recommend the Mirage to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient car.
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This car is perfect for those who value fuel efficiency and a modern yet traditional style. It is practical, reliable, and has excellent mpg. In my opinion, this car is really fun! The engine noise is like music to my ears, and while the acceleration may not be the best, revving up the vehicle in most driving situations is exciting. The car is like a big bubble inside, providing a large view of the surroundings. As a self-mechanic, I find working on this car a walk in the park due to the ample space inside the engine. Nowadays, people tend to prioritize speed over mpg, but with so much technology in modern cars, worrying about something breaking down can be a real hassle for the wallet or purse. Keeping it simple and real is the way to go! 😎 Update: My car has 12600 miles and has been performing flawlessly, taking me to work and running errands with ease. It is also easy to maintain.
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I'm a 55-year-old man with a history of back surgery, standing at 6'1
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I'm glad to hear that you love the Mirage! It may not be a race car, but with the 5-speed, it can get up to freeway speeds pretty quickly. It's great to hear that you've had no problems driving it year-round, even in the snow. I would definitely recommend this little beast over any hybrid out there, as it gets almost the same MPG, costs only 1/3 to 1/2 the price, and doesn't have a battery that dies after 80,000 miles.
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I can assure any prospective buyer that the Mitsubishi Mirage is a great car. Despite some negative reviews, I have found that the interior noise is not as bad as claimed and the car handles well on the highway. Compared to a Prius C, the Mirage is a great alternative that costs $10,000 less. It is comfortable for two people, handles everyday driving perfectly well and gets an impressive 43-51 mpg depending on outside temperature and type of driving. The 3 cylinder engine is smooth throughout the RPM range, while the manual gear ratios are perfectly matched for the power band. It handles normal driving safely and is very maneuverable due to its small size. Although the manual transmission is 'notchy' at first, it smooths out after about 3,000 miles. The car has been totally reliable mechanically except for a rattling heat shield that was easily corrected. Basic maintenance such as changing the oil, transmission fluid and air filters has kept the car running smoothly. I have also replaced the brakes and tires as needed, but overall the Mirage has been a great car for me.This summer my car's engine started using a quart of oil about every 3,000 miles, which is not excessive, although it seems a little premature as I rarely go over half throttle. It's possible that the rings or valve seats are wearing or the PCV valve is simply worn out. However, the engine runs normally and has the original power, so I'm just driving it for now. The radio and air conditioning are adequate, if not powerful. In conclusion, I find the car with the manual transmission fun to drive - not in a Mazda Miata way - but in a small car easy to zip around way. The Mirage is not the fastest, smoothest, or most powerful car on the road, but it is not supposed to be. Rather, it is a reliable daily driver car with a great warranty at a fantastic price. I have heard that they are discontinuing the Mirage, but finding a used, low mileage, well-maintained one for $10,000 or less would be one of the best deals out there. One owner in Minnesota obtained over 400,000 miles, so they are durable if taken care of. I encourage you to test drive this car for yourself. If it is not to your tastes, that's fine, but don't be discouraged by the expert reviews. Many people who actually own this car love it. Personally, I bought this car as what my mechanic calls a 'disposable car' - meaning I plan to drive it until it dies, so I am not worried about resale value. I do not work for Mitsubishi nor know anyone who does.
Other years of Mitsubishi Mirage
Are you having problems with your 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Justus Kuhn 2024-06-24
We purchased this vehicle for commuting purposes and it has been a great gas saver. Although the acceleration on the highway is a bit lacking, it is to be expected from a 3 cylinder car. The tank size is a bit small at 9.5 gallons, but having a larger tank of 12 or 13 gallons would allow for fewer fill-ups throughout the week.
Sigmund Witting 2024-05-21
I am sorry to hear about your experience with this car. It seems like you have had a lot of issues with it, from the noise it makes to the problems with the motor and electrical system. It also sounds like it was quite expensive when you bought it. I can understand why you are not satisfied with it. As a mechanic, you have seen many vehicles, and it is unfortunate that this one has not met your expectations. Thank you for sharing your honest opinion about this car. It will be helpful for others who are considering buying it.
Garnett Corkery 2024-05-19
The fuel efficiency of this vehicle is wonderful if you're driving 75mph or less. However, anything over that speed and the fuel efficiency drops to that of a minivan. Additionally, the vehicle has no pickup in speed and struggles going up inclines. It hydroplanes excessively easily, so it's not recommended to drive in snowy or windy conditions. Overall, the safety of this vehicle is questionable and it's surprising that it's still on the market.