RoadVitals

1994 Mitsubishi Mirage

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.
60
Latest Oct 16, 2014
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.
1
Latest Jul 17, 2006
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.
3
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.
23
23 injuries, 3 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 60 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage, most frequently naming the airbags, seat belts and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 15 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

  • Airbags3044.1%
  • Seat belts710.3%
  • Engine710.3%
  • Brakes68.8%
  • Transmission57.4%
  • Electrical57.4%
  • Other / unspecified22.9%
  • Visibility11.5%

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

1 campaign cover this model year

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
06E065000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jul 17, 2006
3,593 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
AJ MOTORSPORTView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA99007ClosedEngineering Analysis

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Mar 16, 1999
Closed May 30, 2000

ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY FROM AN UNDERCARRIAGE OR TIRE/WHEEL IMPACT WITH A CURB, BUMP, DIP POTHOLE, ETC.

AIR BAGS
PE98033ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS

Opened May 27, 1998
Closed Mar 16, 1999

COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY VEHICLE IMPACT OR FROM MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACT

AIR BAGS
EA96015ClosedEngineering Analysis

AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE

Opened Jun 28, 1996
Closed Jun 12, 1997

THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ALLEGEDLY MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILS

SEAT BELTSLed to recall 97V063001

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 60
Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2014

THE MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 1994 S 4 DOORS 1.5L THE VALVES GUIDES DAMAGE THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10648143
Incident
Oct 16, 2014
Mileage
50,000 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Jul 14, 2014
Crash reportedFire reported1 injury reported2 deaths reported

MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT FROM A FRIENDS BIRTHDAY. AT APPROX. 1:20AM I WAS DRIVING NORTH IN NEWARK POMPTON TURNPIKE LOCATED IN WAYNE, NJ 07470. MY HUSBAND LIFTED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE (THE REASON IS UNKNOWN) AND THE CAR INSTANTLY STARTED SPINNING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. WITHIN SECOND THE BRAKES RELEASED AND SENT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AIRBORNE HEAD ON INTO A UTILITY POLE RESULTING IN THE INSTANT DEATH OF MY HUSBAND BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HUSBANDS CAUSE OF DEATH WAS MULTIPLE FORCE BLUNT TRAUMA TO UPPER TORSO I MYSELF WAS 17 WEEKS PREGNANT THIS ACCIDENT ALSO LED TO THE RESULT OF DEATH TO MY UNBORN CHILD. I ALSO WAS PINNED UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND RECEIVED MULTIPLE BILATERAL FRACTURES AND INTERNAL INJURIES. I WAS INDUCED TO A COMA FOR 1 MONTHS BEFORE I WORK UP NOW I DEAL WITH MANY LEG PROBLEMS AND TITANIUM RODS, SCREWS, AND PINS IN BOTH LEGS FOR REST OF MY LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10610507
Incident
Jan 27, 2008
Airbags
Filed Apr 2, 2014
Crash reportedFire reported2 injuries reported1 death reported

DRIVER LOST CONTROL AFTER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENABLED, CAR FREEWHEELED AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO UTILITY POLE. DRIVE CRUSHED UP DASHBOARD WITH SEVERE LIFE THREATENING INJURIES IN CRITICAL CONDITION. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT IN RESULT MY HUSBAND WAS KILLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10576586
Incident
Jan 27, 2008
Electrical
Filed Aug 5, 2007

20 AMP FUSE BLOWS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND CUTS OFF ENGINE CAUSING THE CAR TO DIE ON THE ROAD EVERY TIME. THIS HAPPENED FOUR (4) TIMES IN THE PAST THREE (3) MONTHS AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA TWICE ALREADY - SEE LIST OF COMPLAINTS FOR MITUSBISHI MIRAGE 1994, ALSO SEE VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) FORM ATTACHED TO EACH OF THE PREVIOUS REPORTS POSTED ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THE FIRST SIX (6) INCIDENT REPORTS ON THE SAME 20 AMP FUSE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA - SEE COMPLAINT PAGE. THE FIRST REPORTED INCIDENT WITH THE FUSE OCCURRED ON 04/28/97 WHICH WAS WITHIN THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY TERM, BUT MITSUBISHI IGNORED IT. OTHER FUSE BLOWING INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE FIRST SIX INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED TO NHTSA. THE LATEST FUSE BLOWING INCIDENT WAS ON 08/03/2007 ON THE 101 FWY NEAR CAMARILLO, CA. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH WESTLAKE MOTORS, THOUSAND OAKS, CA FOR THE NEVER-ENDING FUSE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1997. ALL THEY DO IS CHANGE THE FUSE AND SAY IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN PRESENTING MORTAL DANGER TO DRIVER AND CAR OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. OTHER REPORTS ON THE SAME FUSE PROBLEMS WITH MITSUBISHI WERE FOUND GOOGLING THE INTERNET. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN COVERED UP BY THE MANUFACTURERS AND ITS AGENTS FOR A VERY LONG TIME. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND MAKE MITSUBISHI FIX THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN REFUSING TO CHANGE COMPONENTS (ECU, SENSORS, ELECTRICAL HARNESS, FUSES, ETC.) SINCE 1996 OR TAKE CAR BACK UNDER CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW SINCE CAR OWNERS LACKED REPRESENTATION. PLEASE HELP!! *JB

NHTSA ID
10198559
Incident
Aug 5, 2007
Mileage
93,016 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 27, 2004

(1)THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED (2)A SPRING FROM THE SWITCH FROZE THE STEERING SO THAT ONLY 5 DEGREE OF STEERING IN EITHER DIRECTION WAS POSSIBLE ALMOST LEADING TO A CRASH (3)THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS TO BE REPLACED AND A NEW TUMBLER IS NEEDED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10078879
Incident
Jun 22, 2004
Mileage
120,600 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 30, 2003
2 injuries reported

MY BOYFRIEND AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WHEN I HAD TO COME TO A QUICK STOP. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND MY AIRBAG ENABLED, WHEN I WAS ABLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED I WAS 5FT AWAY FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I SUFFERED A BURN AND BRUISES UNDER MY CHIN ALONG WITH BRUISES ON MY ARM AND SORENESS ON MY CHEST. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT! I HAVE STOPPED WORSE THEN THAT BEFORE. IS THIS CONSIDERED A MANUFACTER DEFECT? *AK

NHTSA ID
10048856
Incident
Nov 29, 2003
Mileage
134,765 mi
Suspension
Filed May 19, 2003

WHEN THE CONSUMER BACKED OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THE REAR SWAY BAR BROKE. A MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMER NOT DRIVE IT. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10020060
Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2002

HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING AT 20,000 MILES. CONSUMER HAD GASKET REPLACED, AND IT IS LEAKING AGAIN AT 47000 MILES. VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY LOSING OIL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ORIGINAL HEAD GASKET FAILED AT 40000 MILES, NOW THE REPLACEMENT IS FAILING AT 65000 MILES. *SLC

NHTSA ID
8013331
Incident
Jul 3, 2002

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB-22-54-003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

TT253

EQUIPMENT

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-19-00-008

EQUIPMENT

This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.

TT237

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

TSB-13-42A-002

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.

9922003

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS RECOMMENDED MANUAL TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE INFORMATION. *TT

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 Mirage by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024300—
2023000—
2022200—
2021100—
2020100—
2019500—
2018101053.6
2017152053.2
2016110—
2015392056.7
2014443059.3
2013000—
2002540—
2001315059.0
2000355057.6
1999576057.3
1998435060.6
1997744055.4
1996281054.0
1995701055.3
1994Viewing601363.6
1993733254.5
1992151239.8
1991381355.0
1990331351.6
1989613—
1988813—
1987313—
1986113—
1985002—
1984001—

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.