Which Mitsubishi Mirage years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2014, 2015, and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 89, and 78 respectively — the highest among all Mirage model years covered.

Is the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

The 2014 Mirage has the highest complaint index (100) of any Mirage year, with 44 complaints, 3 recalls, and airbags as the top reported problem area at 34% of complaints.

Does the Mitsubishi Mirage have airbag recalls?

Yes. The 2014, 2015, and 2017 Mirage are all covered by airbag-related recalls tied to the SRS-ECU acceleration sensor and corroded connectors, based on NHTSA recall records.

Are the 2018 and 2019 Mirage safe to buy?

They fall into a caution category with complaint indexes of 67 and 56, lower than the avoid years but still with airbag listed as the top problem area for both.

What is the most common problem area across all Mirage years?

Airbags are the top overall problem area, accounting for 38 of 122 total complaints (31%), followed by brakes at 25% and engine issues at 19%.

Mitsubishi Mirage Best and Worst Years (2014–2024)

Across 2014-2024, the Mitsubishi Mirage's worst years by NHTSA complaint volume and severity are 2014, 2015, and 2017, each carrying a complaint index of 100, 89, and 78 and multiple airbag recalls. 2018 and 2019 warrant caution with lower but still notable complaint indexes of 67 and 56. No model year stands out as clearly best.

Avoid 2014 Avoid 2015 Avoid 2017

Model years: 10; 2014–2024
NHTSA complaints: 122
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 34
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Airbags

Mirage Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mitsubishi Mirage problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2014	Avoid	100	44	14	1	3	Airbags	37.5	—
2015	Avoid	89	39	9	0	2	Brakes	37.5	4★
2016	No verdict	44	1	1	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2017	Avoid	78	15	4	0	2	Airbags	37.5	4★
2018	Caution	67	10	3	0	1	Airbags	37.5	4★
2019	Caution	56	5	2	0	0	Airbags	37.5	4★
2020	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Brakes	37.5	4★
2021	No verdict	33	2	1	0	0	Airbags	37.5	4★
2022	No verdict	11	2	0	0	0	Brakes	37.5	4★
2024	No verdict	22	3	0	0	0	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	39	4★

Mirage years to avoid: what went wrong

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Index 100 · 44 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2014 Mirage ranks worst of all years, with a complaint index of 100 and 44 total complaints. Airbags are the top problem area, at 34% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 29,000. Owners also reported engine issues near 6,850 miles and brake problems around 17,000 miles. NHTSA logged 14 crashes, 19 injuries, and 2 deaths tied to this model year. Three separate airbag-related recalls were issued, including sensor misinterpretation and corroded connector issues. Given the volume of airbag complaints paired with crash and injury counts, this year shows the most serious pattern of reported safety concerns in the Mirage lineup.

2014 airbags problems →

2015 Mitsubishi Mirage Index 89 · 39 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2015 Mirage carries a complaint index of 89 and 39 total complaints, the second-worst in the lineup. Brakes are the leading concern, making up 38% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 22,132. Suspension, wheels, and tire issues followed, at 21% with a median mileage of 9,623, alongside airbag complaints at 21% with a 20,000-mile median. NHTSA recorded 9 crashes and 7 injuries for this year. Two airbag recalls apply, covering acceleration sensor misreads and corroded connectors. The combination of brake and tire complaints at relatively low mileage stands out for this year.

2015 brakes problems →

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Index 78 · 15 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2017 Mirage has a complaint index of 78 and 15 total complaints, placing it among the years to avoid. Airbags dominate at 40% of complaints, with a high median failure mileage of 46,000, followed by electrical system issues at 27% (40,000-mile median) and engine complaints also at 27% (25,000-mile median). NHTSA logged 4 crashes and 5 injuries for this year. Two recalls apply: one for the SRS-ECU airbag sensor and one for HID headlamp connector clips. Owners frequently described airbags failing to deploy in crashes despite vehicle damage.

Most common Mitsubishi Mirage problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags38 (31%)
Brakes30 (25%)
Engine23 (19%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (14%)
Electrical System16 (13%)
Other15 (12%)
Transmission & Powertrain10 (8%)
Steering9 (7%)
Structure & Body7 (6%)
Fuel System4 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Mitsubishi Mirage years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2014, 2015, and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 89, and 78 respectively — the highest among all Mirage model years covered.
Is the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?: The 2014 Mirage has the highest complaint index (100) of any Mirage year, with 44 complaints, 3 recalls, and airbags as the top reported problem area at 34% of complaints.
Does the Mitsubishi Mirage have airbag recalls?: Yes. The 2014, 2015, and 2017 Mirage are all covered by airbag-related recalls tied to the SRS-ECU acceleration sensor and corroded connectors, based on NHTSA recall records.
Are the 2018 and 2019 Mirage safe to buy?: They fall into a caution category with complaint indexes of 67 and 56, lower than the avoid years but still with airbag listed as the top problem area for both.
What is the most common problem area across all Mirage years?: Airbags are the top overall problem area, accounting for 38 of 122 total complaints (31%), followed by brakes at 25% and engine issues at 19%.