VehicleVerdict

1996 Mitsubishi Mirage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Mirage year — the 1996 model ranks #12 of 29 Mirage years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (35% of the total).

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Mirage years?

Mirage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mirage years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1435%
Brakes410%
Transmission410%
Engine38%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Latches & Locks25%
Other25%
Seat Belts25%
Suspension25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Electrical System13%
Body & Structure13%
Seats13%

Does the 1996 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.

“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISON IN WHICH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND BACK. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 3, 2001 · crash

“DRIVER EXPERIENCES LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY WHICH WHICH LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT, EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT BRAKES PADS AFTER 8K MILES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 14, 1996 · crash

“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE STARTS HUMPING, (LIKE A MANUAL TRANS.) THEN CUTS OFF JUST WHEN IS ON PARKING LOT OR ON STREET DRIVEN ABOUT 25 MPH. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 2, 1997

“I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FROM DAY ONE. IT HAS ALWAYS USED OIL, HAVING TO ADD MORE OIL ALL THE TIME EVEN THOUGH I DUE AN OIL CHANGE ON REGULAR BASIS. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN LOW ON OIL, AND THE OIL DOES NOT COME ON UNTIL AS THE MECHANICS SAY "ITS BONE DRY". THE AIR CONDITION BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 1999

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT 55MPH, AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSEGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. VEHICLE ALSO FLIPPED AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · crash

1996 Mitsubishi Mirage — common questions

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1996 model at #12 of 29 Mirage years. It is one of the Mirage years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Mirage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.