2018 Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car known for its exceptional fuel economy and affordability. It comes with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Many owners appreciate its low price and ease of parking, while others find the engine underpowered and the interior lacking in refinement.

Engine

1.2L 3-Cylinder Engine

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often caused by worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and/or ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light with codes related to catalytic converter efficiency, reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

CVT Transmission

• CVT Transmission Jerking/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or hesitant acceleration, especially at low speeds.
  • Solution: CVT fluid flush and filter change might alleviate the problem, but in some cases, the CVT unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• CVT Whining Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission area, especially during acceleration. This could indicate internal wear.
  • Solution: Diagnosis is key, but if internal wear is confirmed, transmission replacement or rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+ (diagnosis) - $3000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Bouncing or instability.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn shocks, struts, bushings, or ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per corner, depending on parts replaced
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, especially in cold weather. Battery draining quickly.
  • Solution: Test the battery and charging system. Replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blown Fuses
  • Description/Symptoms: Certain electrical components not working (e.g., radio, lights).
  • Solution: Identify and replace the blown fuse. Investigate the cause of the blown fuse to prevent recurrence.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5 - $50+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage, while fuel-efficient and affordable, can experience issues with its engine, CVT transmission, suspension, and electrical system. Engine misfires and catalytic converter problems are common, while the CVT can exhibit jerking and whining noises. Suspension components can wear prematurely, and electrical issues such as battery drain and blown fuses can occur. Repair costs vary depending on the specific issue, ranging from relatively inexpensive fixes like replacing spark plugs or fuses to more costly repairs such as CVT replacement. While none of these are particularly severe issues, owners should be aware of these potential problems.