Is the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1986 Mitsubishi Mirage

○ Not enough data

1986 Mitsubishi Mirage
RENDERED 2026-10-31T18:29:31.258Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1984	0
1985	0
1986	1
1987	3
1988	8
1989	6
1990	34
1991	38
1992	15
1993	73
1994	62
1995	70
1996	28
1997	74
1998	43
1999	57
2000	35
2001	31
2002	5
2014	44
2015	39
2016	1
2017	15
2018	10
2019	5
2020	1
2021	2
2022	2
2024	3

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Nar 03/13/2003 while driving the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the engine, the consumer pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-04

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1987-10-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Engine compartment fires
I
1993-06-23Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Engine compartment fires
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-01 Takata seat belt buckle failure
R

1995-11-01Seat belts95V103004 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Mitsubishi Mirage — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 95V103004 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mitsubishi Mirage have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.