1991 Mitsubishi Mirage: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (37% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1995
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Cpsc#x11c0565a. Cylinder head. 1991 mitsubishi mirage. Consumer stated he purchased the part from d&s light truck and auto parts, inc. He stated the cylinder was bad and they have refused to refund his money or replace the part. *ln”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2011
“Cpsc#x11c0561a & xx11c0565a. 1991 mitsubishi mirage consumer stated after installing cylinder head, he noticed the vehicle ran rough. *ln the consumer was informed the valves needed to be adjusted. The consumer has since learned the cylinder head was bad. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2011
“While driving, the consumer smelled plastic/rubber burning and suddenly vehicle caught on fire under the hood. The consumer pulled over and called the fire department. The local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak the consumer noticed a leakage. The consumers daughter was using the vehicle when the it caught fire. The dealer stated that it was an electrical fire. The brake light would come on intermittently. The dealer suggested that the combo switch assembly needed to be replaced. *sc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tires had 30 thousand miles on them. Tire size was 155r13. Tires mounted on a mitsubishi, mirage, 1991. While vehicle was parked for over three hours, the left front tire blewout. Also, there were some cracks around rim. Tires were replaced.*ak *slc”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2001
“Consumer had to replace the computer in the vehicle. Owner states that the vehicle would not exceed 35mph. The dealer replaced the computer a second time, and informed owner that the clutch had a leak, and that was the cause of the vehicle's low speeds. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1997
“Owner received recall notice (#95v103004); called dealer off and on since receiving it. Dealer has no parts since 6/96, and does not know when they will be in, but will call owner when they do come in. As of april 16, 1997, dealer has taken care of the repairs. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 1997
“When door closes automatic front right shoulder belt may not slide back/forward, leaving occupant unprotected. Intermittent problem, not checked by dealer. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1997
“The vehicle came to a complete stop when attempting to switch from "drive" to "park" without warning, a sudden acceleration was experienced, causing the vehicle to hit a barrier. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 1996
“While driving vehicle,smelled of fuel odor, started getting stronger while driving along, pulled over, turned off ignition, checked under hood, fire burning on top of engine area. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1996
“Automatic seat belt of front passenger remains locked when door is opened, preventing passenger from existing vehicle. *sd”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Mirage by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage. The most complained-about area is seat belts (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 6,500 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.