1990 Mitsubishi Mirage

Introduction:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact hatchback with a spacious interior and economical fuel consumption. It comes with a 1.5-liter SOHC engine and a choice of a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The Mirage delivers 82 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. Despite its affordability and practicality, the Mirage has faced some common issues over the years.

Engine:

• 1.5L SOHC Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy engine, loss of power, potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission:

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Synchronizer Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises.
    • Solution: Replace worn synchronizers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic gear shifting, delayed engagement, slipping.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, overheating, shuddering during gear changes.
    • Solution: Replace torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension:

• Front Suspension
  • Strut Mount Bearing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises, vibration when driving over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace strut mount bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf Spring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, rough ride, impaired handling.
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical issues, difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, no engine turnover.
    • Solution: Replace starter motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
      • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion and rust on body panels, particularly around wheel wells and suspension components.
  • Solution: Remove rust and apply rust-proofing measures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering headlights, no headlights working.
  • Solution: Replace headlight bulbs or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from vents, weak air flow.
  • Solution: Replace blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage faces some common issues related to engine components, such as intake manifold gaskets and timing belts. The transmission, suspension, electrical, and interior may also experience problems, including synchronizer wear, valve body failure, strut mount bearing failure, alternator failure, and HVAC blower motor failure. While many of these issues are not severe and can be repaired at a reasonable cost, some can be more expensive, such as timing belt failure and transmission rebuilds. Overall, the Mirage has received mixed reviews, with its affordability and fuel efficiency being praised, but its reliability and build quality being criticized.