1988 Mitsubishi Mirage
Only 8 complaints 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 8 complaints
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 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
3 of 8 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was in an accident the driver side seat belt buckle came loose driver went forward car was totaled . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-11
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-27
Consumer stated that engine caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-30
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-04
Service brakes
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing air.
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 8 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
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
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I
1993-06-23Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-30 Engine compartment fires
-
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-01 Takata seat belt buckle failure
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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…
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mitsubishi Mirage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 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 →FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 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.