VehicleVerdict

1990 Mitsubishi Mirage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Mirage year — the 1990 model ranks #13 of 29 Mirage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 51% of all reports (19 of 37), far ahead of engine at 7.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Mirage years?

Mirage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted105 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 3 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 8 complaints1990: 37 complaints1991: 45 complaints1992: 17 complaints1993: 91 complaints1994: 69 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 40 complaints1997: 105 complaints1998: 53 complaints1999: 74 complaints2000: 55 complaints2001: 51 complaints2002: 5 complaints2014: 63 complaints2015: 60 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 21 complaints2018: 16 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 2 complaints2024: 6 complaints
Mirage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mirage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1951%
Engine719%
Electrical System411%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Other13%
Fuel System13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Transmission13%

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103004Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 658,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE AUTOMATIC PASSENGER'S RESTRAINT BELT NEVER RELEASES ITSELF FROM THE LOCK MODE, WHEN CONSUMER GETS INTO VEHICLE AND STARTS THE IGNITION THE BELT DOES NOT ADJUST. INSTEAD, THE BELT IS SQEEZING OCCUPANT ACROSS CHEST AREA SO TIGHT THAT IT'S HURTS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 22, 1997

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SPORADICALLY AT INITIAL START-UP OR WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2008

“ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING. CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINS OF NOT HAVING A WARNING INDICATOR TO NOTIFY DRIVER OF FAILURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 30, 1997

“ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING. CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINS OF NOT HAVING A WARNING INDICATOR TO NOTIFY DRIVER OF FAILURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 30, 1997

1990 Mitsubishi Mirage — common questions

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1990 model at #13 of 29 Mirage years. It is one of the Mirage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Mirage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (19 complaints), engine (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi Mirage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mirage years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1999, 1994, 2014, 2015, 2000, 1998, 2001, 1991, 1996, 1990. The cleanest record among Mirage years belongs to 1985.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.