VehicleVerdict

1994 Mitsubishi Mirage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median Mirage year — the 1994 model ranks #5 of 29 Mirage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 44% of all reports (30 of 69), far ahead of engine at 8.

69

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

28

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Mirage years?

Mirage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mirage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3043%
Engine812%
Seat Belts710%
Electrical System57%
Brakes57%
Transmission46%
Tires & Wheels23%
Lighting23%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Other11%
Speed Control11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?

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

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

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.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 27, 2008 · crash · fire

“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED OR CUT OFF. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT OIL IN AND IT WOULD START BACK UP. ALSO, FRONT SEAT BELT IS TOO LOOSE, IT TOUCHES THE GROUND WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK BRAKE PADS FAILED. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 23, 1998 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED OR CUT OFF. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT OIL IN AND IT WOULD START BACK UP. ALSO, FRONT SEAT BELT IS TOO LOOSE, IT TOUCHES THE GROUND WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK BRAKE PADS FAILED. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 23, 1998 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED OR CUT OFF. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT OIL IN AND IT WOULD START BACK UP. ALSO, FRONT SEAT BELT IS TOO LOOSE, IT TOUCHES THE GROUND WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK BRAKE PADS FAILED. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 23, 1998 · crash

“ONCE THE CAR IF TURNED OFF AND I TRY TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION IT WON'T COME OUT. SEVERAL TIMES I HAD TO LEAVE MY KEY IN THE IGNITION OVER NIGHT BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET IT OUT. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET SOMEONE TO HELP ME (FINANCEE & MY FATHER) BUT IT IS REALLY GETTING TO BE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1994 Mitsubishi Mirage — common questions

Is the 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1994 model at #5 of 29 Mirage years. It is one of the Mirage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Mirage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (30 complaints), engine (8 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints).

Does the 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 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.