Owners have filed 74 complaints
about the 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage with NHTSA between 1999 and 2008.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 65
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Mirage. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Mitsubishi Mirage
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
17.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
535.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
428.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
321.4%
150,000+ miles
17.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 1999peak 8Mar 2008
Recalls on the 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
04V428000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
01V340001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.
Risk: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
00V311001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES: MIRAGE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5L ENGINES; MONTERO SPORT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES; AND MONTERO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.
Risk: THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesCorona, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT IS GETTING THE RUN AROUND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE POWERTRAIN AND FUEL TYPE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10221081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,135 milesManati, PRCrash2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND SHUTS OFF. THE DEFECT IS INTERMITTENT AND DOES NOT GIVE A CHECK ENGINE ALARM. AS A CONSEQUENCE YOU MAY END UP WITHOUT POWER WHEN PASSING TO OTHER VEHICLES OR GOING ACCROSS INTERSECTIONS. HAVE NOT YET IDENTIFIED CAUSE. WAS REAR ENDED DO TO THIS DEFECT
NHTSA complaint #10122515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesSouth Burlington, VTCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
I WAS GIVEN A 1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER AN ACCIDENT IN MY 1997 MIRAGE. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN. OVER TIME, THE DOOR BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND IT EVENTUALLY BECAME MISALIGNED, DROPPING WHEN IT WAS OPENED. IN JULY 2002, THE DOOR BECAME UNUSABLE BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE OPENED FAR ENOUGH FOR A PASSENGER TO ENTER. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE HINGE HAD RUSTED SHUT DUE TO UNDERUSE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH BECAUSE THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR AND THAT THE HINGES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME TO CONTACT MITSUBISHI DIRECTLY. I CALLED MITSUBISHI'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND WAS LITERALLY TOLD "IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THERE IS NO DEFECT AND IT'S YOUR PROBLEM NOW." I HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT THIS IS IN FACT A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10095816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesDickson, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AT A 30 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10084002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FAULTY BRAKES-IN DEC,2002, HAD TO HIT BRAKES WHEN VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE-NO STEERING- AND CAR SPUN SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARED BRAKES LOCKED UP EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ABS SYSTEM. *JB 2/2003-SAME THING. WAS COUPLE LENGTHS BEHIND VEHICLE WHEN CAR IN FRONT SUDDENLY PULLED TO LEFT LANE BECAUSE A VEH HAD ALMOST STOPPED IN ROAD. WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKES, THEY AGAIN LOCKED UP WITH NO STEERING CONTROL CAUSING ME TO HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STEER VEHICLE OFF INTO EMER LANE. WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND AIR BAGS DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES/TIRES SQUEAKING IN 12/2001 & TOOK IN FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM & WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CAR STILL CLICKED DURING TURNS.
NHTSA complaint #10008265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, ALCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FAULTY BRAKES-IN DEC,2002, HAD TO HIT BRAKES WHEN VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE-NO STEERING- AND CAR SPUN SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARED BRAKES LOCKED UP EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ABS SYSTEM. *JB 2/2003-SAME THING. WAS COUPLE LENGTHS BEHIND VEHICLE WHEN CAR IN FRONT SUDDENLY PULLED TO LEFT LANE BECAUSE A VEH HAD ALMOST STOPPED IN ROAD. WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKES, THEY AGAIN LOCKED UP WITH NO STEERING CONTROL CAUSING ME TO HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STEER VEHICLE OFF INTO EMER LANE. WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND AIR BAGS DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES/TIRES SQUEAKING IN 12/2001 & TOOK IN FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM & WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CAR STILL CLICKED DURING TURNS.
NHTSA complaint #10008265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 200,000 milesCorona, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT IS GETTING THE RUN AROUND. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE POWERTRAIN AND FUEL TYPE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10221081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, DC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE IN A SERVICE STATION PARKING LOT. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10127949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,135 milesManati, PRCrash2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND SHUTS OFF. THE DEFECT IS INTERMITTENT AND DOES NOT GIVE A CHECK ENGINE ALARM. AS A CONSEQUENCE YOU MAY END UP WITHOUT POWER WHEN PASSING TO OTHER VEHICLES OR GOING ACCROSS INTERSECTIONS. HAVE NOT YET IDENTIFIED CAUSE. WAS REAR ENDED DO TO THIS DEFECT
NHTSA complaint #10122515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesSouth Burlington, VTCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
I WAS GIVEN A 1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER AN ACCIDENT IN MY 1997 MIRAGE. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN. OVER TIME, THE DOOR BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND IT EVENTUALLY BECAME MISALIGNED, DROPPING WHEN IT WAS OPENED. IN JULY 2002, THE DOOR BECAME UNUSABLE BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE OPENED FAR ENOUGH FOR A PASSENGER TO ENTER. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE HINGE HAD RUSTED SHUT DUE TO UNDERUSE AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH BECAUSE THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR AND THAT THE HINGES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME TO CONTACT MITSUBISHI DIRECTLY. I CALLED MITSUBISHI'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND WAS LITERALLY TOLD "IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THERE IS NO DEFECT AND IT'S YOUR PROBLEM NOW." I HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT THIS IS IN FACT A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10095816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,043 milesToledo, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
A CRACK DEVELOPED ON THE LOWER HINGE OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER DOOR HINGES, BUT THE CRACK RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10087619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesDickson, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING AT A 30 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10084002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesLiverpool, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE PROBLEM. DOOR WAS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OPEN OR CLOSE FOR APPROX. 4 MO. LAST MONTH, THE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE ENOUGH TO TURN OFF THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR OR CABIN LIGHT. FINALLY, THE DOOR BECAME MISALIGNED SO THAT CLOSING IT WASN'T POSSIBLE ANYMORE AND WOULD CATCH WITH THE CAR'S SIDE PANEL. AFTER TAKING IT TO A BODY SHOP, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE HINGE WAS THE PROBLEM; IT WAS CRACKED, BENT, AND WAS "SCRAPING" AGAINST THE DOOR, A COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED DUE TO THE DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR IS ALSO SHOWING EARLY SIGNS OF DAMAGE. CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I DECIDED TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AFTER NOTICING COMPLAINTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE REGARDING THE 1999 MIRAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10082670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT LINE UP PROPERLY IN ORDER TO CLOSE. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #10079667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKING PRODUCES SQUEAKING AND RUBBING SOUNDS EVEN AFTER ROTORS WERE TURNED & REPLACED. MULTIPLE PAD REPLACEMENTS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 3 YEARS. THE REPEATED RUBBING AND SQUEAKING SOUNDS OCCUR EVEN AFTER BRAKE SERVICE AFTER LESS THAN 1500 MILES. *AK TRANSMISSION: CAR IS "SLOW" TO ACCELERATE AND SOMETIMES STALES UPON ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS FROM 0 TO 40 MILES/HOUR. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON....O2 SENSOR(S) REPLACED.....CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM??????? THE CAR PASSED ITS EMMISSION CONTROL INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10074527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKING PRODUCES SQUEAKING AND RUBBING SOUNDS EVEN AFTER ROTORS WERE TURNED & REPLACED. MULTIPLE PAD REPLACEMENTS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 3 YEARS. THE REPEATED RUBBING AND SQUEAKING SOUNDS OCCUR EVEN AFTER BRAKE SERVICE AFTER LESS THAN 1500 MILES. *AK TRANSMISSION: CAR IS "SLOW" TO ACCELERATE AND SOMETIMES STALES UPON ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS FROM 0 TO 40 MILES/HOUR. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON....O2 SENSOR(S) REPLACED.....CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM??????? THE CAR PASSED ITS EMMISSION CONTROL INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10074527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
WHEN SHUTTING THE PASSENGER DOOR CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HINGES CRACKED. THIS WAS CAUSING THE DOOR NOT TO CLOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10067325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF MY 1999 MIRAGE MITSUBISHI IS FALLING FROM ITS BOTTOM HINGE. THE BOTTOM HINGE IS CRACKED AND BROKEN. WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR IT FALLS IN A SLANT TOWRD THE FLOOR. IT WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. BECAUSE IT IS A AJAR MY INTERIOR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10066318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesFayetteville, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
HOOD AND HOOD SKELETON HAVE BECOME SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER. GLUE HOLDING THE TWO PARTS TOGETHER DID NOT HOLD. THIS HAS HAPPENED A WHILE AGO, BUT FOUND THIS WEBSITE TODAY. NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE OF OCCURRENCE SINCE PROBLEM IS NOT VISIBLE UNTIL HOOD IS RAISED, AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING SOMEONE PAYS ATTENTION TO. IT IS AN UNEXPECTED PROBLEM THAT WILL ONLY GET WORSE OVER TIME. LOOKING FOR OTHERS WITH SAME DEFECT. DRUNKENALIEN@HOTMAIL.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10064450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesRome, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I OWN A 1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE DE, WHICH I PURCHASED 3/8/02; IT HAS A 1.5 LITER ENGINE AND AN AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED TRANSMISSION. WITHIN DAYS, I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ABNORMALLY FROM THE 1ST TO THE 2ND GEARS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. THIS ABNORMALITY CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A HESITATION OR SLIPPING AT SOME TIMES, OR A POPPING, LIKE GUNFIRE, AT OTHERS. AGAIN, THIS SHIFTING SENSATION IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED OF THIS PROBLEM ON 3/19/02. THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED ON THE REPAIR SLIP THAT THEY WERE UNSURE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT A PROBLEM EXISTED. ON APRIL 5, 2002, I DISCUSSED THIS MATTER AGAIN WITH ROME FORD, WHERE THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, THEY SENT THE VEHICLE TO OUR LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER, PAOLOZZI MITSUBISHI IN MARCY, NY, FOR AN EVALUATION. THE EVALUATION RESULTED IN THE STATEMENT TO ROME FORD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. ON 2/27/03, I ENCOUNTERED YET ANOTHER UNRELATED PROBLEM WITH THE FAN BELT LOOSENING AND GETTING CHEWED UP BY THE PULLEYS, FOR WHICH I BROUGHT THE CAR DIRECTLY TO PAOLOZZI; FOR THIS, THEY CHARGED ME $119.48 FOR CHECKING THE BELTS AND PULLEYS, AND FOUND THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MISALIGNED. THEY REMOVED THE PUMP AND BRACKET, REMOUNTED IT AND INSTALLED A NEW BELT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOR THIS SERVICE, AS THIS PROBLEM IS OUTLINED ON A WEB SITE AS RECALL #00V311001. I MENTIONED THE FAN BELT PROBLEM BECAUSE ON THAT SAME DATE, I AGAIN COMPLAINED ABOUT HOW THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. I WAS CHARGED $18.00 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS, FOR WHICH PAOLOZZI STATED ON THE INVOICE THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING IS CONSISTENT WITH SPECIFICATIONS AND THAT NO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION WERE EVIDENT. TO DATE, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, AND I AM NEARING THE END OF THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, AS I NOW HAVE ABOUT 57,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE WARRANTY ENDS AT 60,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10046861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gurabo, PR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10042579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eldora, IA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE LAMINATION IN BETWEEN THE WINDOW IS DETERIORATING BECAUSE IT STARTED TO BULB IT UP, AND IT GIVES HER A HEADACHE WHEN DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10040095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,863 milesCeres, CA
SUSPENSION
REAR WHEELS WERE TILTED AT THE TOP SO THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STRUTS AND SPRINGS WITH USED PARTS. THIS DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO PERFORMED A FRONT END REPAIR, ALIGNMENT, AND TIRES. THE SECOND DEALER STATED THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIRES WERE WORN BADLY ON THE INSIDE AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED A REAR END ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PARTS. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10029567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,863 milesCeres, CA
TIRES
REAR WHEELS WERE TILTED AT THE TOP SO THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STRUTS AND SPRINGS WITH USED PARTS. THIS DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO PERFORMED A FRONT END REPAIR, ALIGNMENT, AND TIRES. THE SECOND DEALER STATED THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIRES WERE WORN BADLY ON THE INSIDE AND THE VEHICLE NEEDED A REAR END ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PARTS. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10029567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tullahoma, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
PURCHASED 1999 MIRAGE FROM THOMPSON FORD AND WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON A RECALL. AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2000. SUBSEQUENTLY , PULLEY BOLT COMPLETELY BROKE AND THE ENTIRE PULLEY AND BELT FELL OUT. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT, EXACT DAYS UNKNOWN, HOWEVER MONTH AND YEAR ARE ACCURATE. IN APRIL 2003, VEHICLE STOPPED. WAS INFORMED BY THOMPSON FORD THAT THE VEHICLE WSA NOT UNDER WARRANTY ONLY TO FIND OUT APPROXIMATELY 10 DAYS LATER THAT IT WAS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THOMPSON FORD AFTER ANOTHER MECHANIC HAD SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THOMPSON FORD REPLACED THE PISTON AND THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS SENT TO A AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A VALVE AND SENSOR, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STILL DOES NOT RUN. FAILURE OF THOMPSON FORD TO NOTIFY ME OF THE RECALL UPON PURCHASE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH AS AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I WAS COMMUTING. I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL IN 2002 FOLLOWING THE PULLEY BOLT BREAKING AND COSTING CONSIDERABLE MONIES FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10028677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesOAK Dale, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER SUDDENLY LOST ALL STEERING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER STATED PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY.
NHTSA complaint #10026448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,859 milesCeres, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS
REAR SPRING WERE CUT IMPROPERLY,CAUSING THE TIRES TO TURN INWARD. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10024398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,800 milesElton, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGE CRACKED. OPENING DOOR DROPS DOWN AND WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. INTERIOR LIGHT AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ONLY HAVE 37,800 MILES ON CAR. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE NOT CRACKED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10018447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,800 milesElton, PA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1999 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGE CRACKED. OPENING DOOR DROPS DOWN AND WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. INTERIOR LIGHT AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ONLY HAVE 37,800 MILES ON CAR. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HINGE NOT CRACKED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10018447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FAULTY BRAKES-IN DEC,2002, HAD TO HIT BRAKES WHEN VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE-NO STEERING- AND CAR SPUN SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARED BRAKES LOCKED UP EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ABS SYSTEM. *JB 2/2003-SAME THING. WAS COUPLE LENGTHS BEHIND VEHICLE WHEN CAR IN FRONT SUDDENLY PULLED TO LEFT LANE BECAUSE A VEH HAD ALMOST STOPPED IN ROAD. WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKES, THEY AGAIN LOCKED UP WITH NO STEERING CONTROL CAUSING ME TO HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STEER VEHICLE OFF INTO EMER LANE. WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND AIR BAGS DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES/TIRES SQUEAKING IN 12/2001 & TOOK IN FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM & WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CAR STILL CLICKED DURING TURNS.
NHTSA complaint #10008265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, ALCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FAULTY BRAKES-IN DEC,2002, HAD TO HIT BRAKES WHEN VEHICLE PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE-NO STEERING- AND CAR SPUN SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARED BRAKES LOCKED UP EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ABS SYSTEM. *JB 2/2003-SAME THING. WAS COUPLE LENGTHS BEHIND VEHICLE WHEN CAR IN FRONT SUDDENLY PULLED TO LEFT LANE BECAUSE A VEH HAD ALMOST STOPPED IN ROAD. WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKES, THEY AGAIN LOCKED UP WITH NO STEERING CONTROL CAUSING ME TO HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STEER VEHICLE OFF INTO EMER LANE. WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND AIR BAGS DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES/TIRES SQUEAKING IN 12/2001 & TOOK IN FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM & WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT CAR STILL CLICKED DURING TURNS.
NHTSA complaint #10008265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.