1990 Mitsubishi Mirage
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
56% of complaints: seat belts — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER AND PASSENGERS UPRIGHT IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960222
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20000731
CRANKSHAFT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME SLUGGISH, ALSO NOISY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941204
12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE WIRING HARNESS BEHIND THE HEAD LIGHT CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950711
ECU FAILURE, THEN MPI CONTROL RELAY, THEN DISTRIBUTOR CAP, COIL & ROTOR, THEN NEW DISTRIBUTOR. *NL
NHTSA ODI report, 20030502
6% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and glass, side/rear.
3% of complaints: structure — 1 distinct report on file, most commonly citing door.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ONLY DOOR THAT WILL OPEN NORMALLY IS THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL ONLY OPEN FROM INSIDE, AND BOTH PASSENGER REAR DOORS WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021118
SAFETY TIMELINE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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 OPERATE
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 A
Campaign 95V103004 — check if this car was fixed
AUTO SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Mitsubishi Mirage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103004 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.