Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
17
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 8 | 47% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 6% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
EXCESS LUBRICATION CAN CAUSE THE RUBBER DOOR LATCH SWITCH COVER TO DEFORM, AND THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH TO MALFUNCTION, SO THAT THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE WOULD REMAIN AT THE A-PILLAR WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH SWITCH.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“EA96-015 ACTIVE, SHOULDER BELT FAILURE, INTERMITTENTLY WILL OVER RETRACT AND BELT WILL TWIST INTO THE TRACK, ALSO PARTIALLY RETRACTS. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE STALLED, FORCING CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. TOWED VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. IT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“SUPPORT BEAM 0N DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE JUST BROKE OFF AND COLLAPSED ON ITS OWN. DEALER SAID IT NEEDS TO BE REWELDED. *AK”
“THERE ARE BAD GAS FUMES IN CAR LIKE EXHAUST CONSUMER AND PASSENGER GET BAD HEAD ACHES SEND CAR TO DEALER ABOUT THREE TIME CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM . TT”
“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN SHE APPLIED BRAKES , AND WARNING LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON. SHE HAD TO VEER OFF ONTO SHOULDERS OF ROAD. BRAKES WERE GONE.*AK”
The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (8 complaints), engine (3 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.