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
- 34
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
56% of complaints
Complaints per year
1990: 34 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
56% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Automatic seat belts failed to hold driver and passengers upright in accident, causing severe injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-22
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine fire due to possible engine failure. (Ohio traffic crash report)
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-07-31
Crankshaft failed, causing vehicle to become sluggish, also noisy.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-04
Electrical system
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing module and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
The wiring harness behind the head light cause a fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-11
ECU failure, then mpi control relay, then distributor cap, coil & rotor, then new distributor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-02
Visibility
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and glass, side/rear.
Structure
3% · 1 reportMost 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, 2002-11-18
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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…
-
I
1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-06-28 Auto shoulder belt failure
-
I
1996-06-28Engineering analysisClosed 1997-06-12 Automatic shoulder belt failure
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Mitsubishi Mirage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports 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 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.