2001 Mitsubishi Mirage

2001 Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact hatchback that offers both fuel efficiency and practicality. It comes equipped with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that produces 92 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. The Mirage is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Owners of the 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage appreciate its fuel efficiency, affordability, and maneuverability. However, some have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability and performance.

Engine

1.5L 3-Cylinder Engine

• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, rough idling, and hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the intake valves and decarbonizing the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leaks, causing a ticking noise and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Difficulty Shifting Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Gear lever feels stiff or difficult to move, especially when shifting into reverse.
  • Solution: Adjusting or replacing the shift linkage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Juddering or Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or stutters during acceleration, or fails to engage properly.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the CVT.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps or when turning, reduced ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mount bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn sway bar links can result in a rattling noise when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical System Faults
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as flickering lights, power window failures, or dashboard malfunctions.
  • Solution: Inspecting and repairing electrical connections, replacing faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Leakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin through the sunroof.
  • Solution: Replacing or resealing the sunroof gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling sound coming from the dashboard area.
  • Solution: Identifying and tightening any loose screws or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage is a fuel-efficient and affordable hatchback. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability, particularly with the intake valve carbon buildup, exhaust manifold gasket failure, and transmission problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some can be quite expensive to repair.