RoadVitals

2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Jun 22, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Nov 8, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and airbags categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 127 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes844.4%
  • Electrical316.7%
  • Airbags211.1%
  • Powertrain (other)211.1%
  • Driver assistance15.6%
  • Engine15.6%
  • Fuel system15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V804000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Nov 8, 2019
2,108 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
The risk: Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-19-002View on NHTSA.gov
17V022000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 10, 2017
1,964 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012 and 2014 i-MiEV vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-001.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-17-001View on NHTSA.gov
15V594000

AIR BAGS

Sep 23, 2015
13,558 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured October 28, 2011, to September 7, 2012. Due to an increased resistance in the impact sensor for the air bag system, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal, side and/or curtain air bags when the SRS warning is illuminated, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment and/or the side and curtian air bag may not deploy at all.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not deploy or deploys late, increases the risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected impact sensors, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-011.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-15-011View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ19002ClosedRecall Query

Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

Opened May 10, 2019
Closed Dec 12, 2019

On May 10, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ19-002 to investigate three complaints alleging brake vacuum pump failures after the remedies for Recalls 13V-031 and 14V-522 had been completed in model year (MY) 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles. The investigation was opened on model year (MY) 2010 through 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles to cover all products sold in the United States with the same vacuum pump (Recall 14V-522 included MY 2010 through 2014 i-MiEV vehicles). Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) provided information about nine (9) additional reports of brake vacuum pump failure in its response to ODI's information request letter for RQ-002 (MY 2012 - 8, MY 2014 - 1). In addition, MMNA's response indicated that there are no MY 2010 through 2011 i-MiEV vehicles currently in the United States (a small number of MY 2010 through 2011 pre-production i-MiEV demo vehicles were listed as scrapped or exported - four of these were included in the scope of 14V-522).On November 8, 2019, MMNA submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a defect in the brake vacuum pump in approximately 2,108 MY 2012 through 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured from October 28, 2011 through June 10, 2016 (NHTSA Recall 19V-804, Mitsubishi Recall SR-19-002). Mitsubishi's DIR identified a defect in the brake vacuum pump design that may allow water to penetrate the pump and cause internal corrosion, which may result in brake vacuum pump failure and increased risk of a vehicle crash. Recalled vehicles will have the vacuum pump replaced with a redesigned pump that has improved sealing and anti-corrosion performance.Mitsubishi's DIR indicates that the recall covers all i-MiEV vehicles sold in the United States, as U.S. sales began with MY 2012 and concluded with MY 2017.This investigation is closed based on Recall 19V-804. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11078966, 11171175, 11187483.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMLed to recall 19V804000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Jun 22, 2021

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi I-MIEV. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V804000 (Service, Brake, Hydraulic), 17V022000 (Air Bags), and 15V594000 (Air Bags) however, the contact stated there was no local dealer in their area to do the recall repairs. When they reached out to the manufacturer, they were informed to find a local authorized dealer, when the contact found an independent mechanic to do the recall repairs, the manufacturer would not authorize the independent mechanic to do the recall repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11421884
Incident
Mar 26, 2021
Filed Mar 31, 2020

MITSUBISHI ANNOUNCED A RECALL FOR ON BOARD CHARGER (OBC) DEFECTS PER ATTACHED LETTER AND ADVISED REPLACEMENT OR REFUND IF PART WAS ALREADY REPLACED. ALSO ATTACHED REPAIR INVOICE 301408 FOR $5080.82 WAS PAID BY WARRANTY COMPANY. MITSUBISHI IS OFFERING REFUND OF $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE INSTEAD OF TOTAL COSTS. PLEASE INTERVENE TO GET THE COMPLETE REFUND FROM OEM.

NHTSA ID
11319835
Incident
Jan 18, 2019
Mileage
89,804 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 26, 2020

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE AT HALF CHARGE UNDER LOAD WILL DEACCELERATE FROM 50 TO BELOW 30 MILES AN HOUR. CAUSING DISRUPTIONS IN TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE PASSING YOU. THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO SHUT DOWN WITH THE TURTLE LIGHT.

NHTSA ID
11311628
Incident
Dec 28, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI I-MIEV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V804000 (BRAKE ASSIST VACUUM PUMP). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OAKLAND KIA MITSUBISHI, 2424 WEBSTER STREET, OAKLAND, CA 94612 WHERE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR FOUR MONTHS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11307038
Incident
Feb 4, 2020
Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI I-MIEV. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V522000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), THE BRAKE PRESSURE BEGAN LOSING POWER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED SIMS MITSUBISHI (2908 MEDINA RD, MEDINA, OH 44256, (330) 722-8000) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,141.

NHTSA ID
11187483
Incident
Nov 19, 2018
Mileage
22,141 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 22, 2019

ON 11/20/18, WE TOOK OUR 2012 I-MIEV INTO THE ROGER BEASLEY MITSUBISHI AT 1120 SHELBY LN, AUSTIN, 78745 AFTER THE CAR RAPIDLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON AT LEAST 2 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME HE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH AND THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 15 MPH. THE OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE WAS 50 DEGREES. HE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. HE RESTARTED IT TO SEE IF HE COULD GET THE CAR HOME. THE CAR STARTED. HE WAS ABLE TO GET IT UP TO 58 MPH AND ONCE AGAIN IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DROPPED TO 15 MPH. WHEN THE CAR SLOWED TO 15 MPH, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED AN EXCLAMATION MARK INSIDE OF A CAR ERROR LIGHT. HE TOOK A VIDEO OF THE 2ND OCCURRENCE: HTTPS://FLIC.KR/P/2EMRH22. NOTE THAT THE CAR HAD 24 MI REMAINING ON THE RANGE AND HAD A BAR INDICATING OF THE BATTERY WAS CHARGED. WE ALSO INTERMITTENTLY RECEIVED THE POWER DOWN WARNING LIGHT ('TURTLE' ICON DISPLAYED ON THE DASH) IN COOLER WEATHER AND/OR WHEN THE CAR TOOK AN UPHILL GRADE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS--WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SPEED OF THE CAR DECREASED. THE MAIN DRIVE LI-ION BATTERY IS COVERED FOR DEFECTS IN MATERIAL FOR 8 YEARS OR 160,000 KM. OUR CAR IS A 2012 AND HAS ROUGHLY 50,000 MILES ON IT. IN ALL THIS TIME, WE HAVE RECEIVED NO CLEAR COMMUNICATION FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS TO WHEN WE WILL RECEIVE OUR CAR BACK. ALL WE ARE TOLD IS 'WE ARE STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE JAPANESE ENGINEERS.' IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE AND IRRESPONSIBLE FOR MITSUBISHI TO HAVE LEFT US IN THIS POSITION WITH NO VEHICLE AND NO INFORMATION FOR THIS EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. I AM NOT AN ENGINEER, BUT THE OPERATIONS OF AN ELECTRIC CAR APPEAR TO BE RATHER STRAIGHT FORWARD. THE CAR EITHER HAS A FUNCTIONING POWER SOURCE OR IT DOES NOT. HAVING A CAR THAT INEXPLICABLY LOSES POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED IS A HAZARD NOT ONLY TO MY FAMILY BUT ALSO TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
11171524
Incident
Nov 19, 2018
Mileage
50,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 21, 2019

BRAKES SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. THE DEALER REPORTED TO ME THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED IN 2013 AS A SAFETY RECALL. APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT PUMP DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE REPLACEMENT BRAKE VACUUM PUMP REPLACEMENT IS NOT DURABLE. I WAS CHARGED $1,300 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP HAD SEIZED INTERNALLY.

NHTSA ID
11171175
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
26,517 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Nov 15, 2018

TWO TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SEIZED AND SHEARED GEARS OR SHEARED GEARS RESPECTIVELY. ADDITIONALLY THE TRACTION BATTERY RETAINS 61% OF ADVERTISED CAPACITY AFTER 5.5 YEARS AND 41,XXX MILES.

NHTSA ID
11151876
Incident
Nov 15, 2018
Mileage
41,800 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TIN-25-00-013

AIR BAGS

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Puerto Rico addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.

TIN-25-00-011

AIR BAGS

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Texas addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.

TIN-25-00-005

AIR BAGS

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Ohio addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.

TIN-25-00-004

AIR BAGS

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Louisiana addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.

TIN-24-00-011

AIR BAGS

This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers that MMNA is launching a social media campaign targeting vehicle owners with open Takata recalls.

TIN-24-00-008

AIR BAGS

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Arizona addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi I-Miev by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017122—
2016022—
2015012—
2014032—
2013022—
2012Viewing136157.7
2011010—
2010010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.