1996 Mitsubishi Mirage
Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 33 |
| 1991 | 38 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1993 | 73 |
| 1994 | 60 |
| 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
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG IN FRONTAL COLLISION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960311
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAG IN FRONTAL COLLISION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960311
2 of 28 total reports mention: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FROM DAY ONE. IT HAS ALWAYS USED OIL, HAVING TO ADD MORE OIL ALL THE TIME EVEN THOUGH I DUE AN OIL CHANGE ON REGULAR BASIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
2 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 28 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Mitsubishi Mirage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Mitsubishi Mirage have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.