Selling a junk Mitsubishi Mirage

A Mirage that's been in a wreck, or one that just won't start, can go as it is. We buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

The Mirage complaint record, by era

Mirage complaint totals are from NHTSA as of October 10, 2026. These counts say nothing about reliability, and recent Mirages are too new on the road to have piled up many. NHTSA's file holds no Mirage complaints for the 2003 to 2013 model years. Wikipedia says production of the earlier Mirage ran from 1978 to 2003, and the sixth generation began in 2012.

1986-1992

These years hold 104 complaints, and seat belts lead from 1990 to 1992 (19, 14 and 8). On 1986-1991 Mirages, recall 95V103004 dealt with front belt release buttons that can crack. The campaign's 658,000 vehicles include Mitsubishis beyond the Mirage. Wikipedia's third generation, built from 1987, offered 1.2-, 1.3- and 1.5-liter engines and four-wheel drive, and was related to the first Hyundai Elantra.

1993-1996: belts, then air bags

These years hold 231 complaints. On the 1993, 54 of 73 complaints name the seat belts. Two recalls deal with belts on these cars:

• 97V073001 (1993): a guide rail on the driver's side where cable movement can wear against the belt over time. Dealers fit a new rail. 15,405 vehicles in the campaign.
• 97V063001 (1992-1993): too much lubricant can deform the door latch switch cover. The shoulder belt anchorage then stays at the A-pillar when the door is closed. 38,948 vehicles in the campaign.

Then the record shifts. On the 1994 and 1995, air bags lead with 29 and 34. Crashes were reported in 21 and 36 complaints, and injuries in 23 and 27. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for 1994-1996. Wikipedia's fourth generation (designer Akinori Nakanishi) used 1.3-liter 4G13, 1.5-liter 4G15 and 1.5-liter 4G91 engines.

1997-2002

These years hold 245 complaints, including the 1997's 74, the most of any Mirage year. Engine and engine cooling leads the 1997 (16) and 1999 (11).

The crankshaft pulley bolt is the recall to know about. 00V311001 covered 1997-1999 Mirages with the 1.5-liter engine. Its 210,000 vehicles also include Montero and Montero Sport models. Then 01V340001 covered 1999-2001 cars where the bolt can loosen and the pulley could fall off. Dealers check the bolt and replace parts where it wasn't tight.

2014-2024: the sixth generation

These years hold 176 complaints. Air bags lead the 2014 (15), 2017 (14), 2018 (7) and 2019 (4). Four air bag recalls cover this car:

• 15V594000: impact sensors on 2014 Mirages built July 27 to November 20, 2013. The 13,558 count includes 2012 i-MiEVs.
• 15V815000: air bag connectors on 2014-2015 cars can corrode. Dealers replace corroded ones and add a waterproof sheet.
• 17V686000: the air bag control unit's acceleration sensor can misread vibrations on 2014-2018 Mirages. Dealers reprogram it.
• 19V330000: the same fix for 2017-2018 Mirage G4 sedans.

The 2015 differs: service brakes lead with 13. The 2017 also had 16V675000, which secures loose HID headlamp clips. EPA's Mirage data ends with the 2024 model year.

Complaints and recalls by model year

From NHTSA's complaint file, October 10, 2026. "Crashes" is the number of Mirage complaints that mention one. Each recall shows under every year it names, and many name a few Mirage years.

Fix it or sell it?

A Mirage is a small, light car. A big repair can pass what it's worth running quickly.

1. Run the VIN at NHTSA's recall page. On a 2014-2018, the air bag software and connector work costs you nothing.
2. Air bags already out after a crash? Airbags deployed covers whether it's worth putting new ones in.
3. Body damage too? See wrecked or totaled.
4. Older Mirage with a seized engine? Read blown engine.

Selling a Mirage whole

1. Have the VIN, mileage, and body style (hatchback, G4 sedan or wagon) ready, plus what's wrong.
2. Request an offer online or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us the spot your Mirage sits in and if its wheels turn. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Keep the Mirage whole. Don't pull its battery, wheels or converter, and tell us if any part is already missing.
5. Bring the title and a photo ID. Car still in a relative's name? See car not in your name. Plates afterward: after you sell.