The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Years To Avoid
We've rounded up three Mitsubishi Mirage G4 years to avoid based on common issues. See which ones (and which Mirage G4 years are considered reliable instead).
Affordable hatchbacks and sedans have always been a popular option for budget-conscious drivers. One such option is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, where you can buy a brand-new unit for less than $20,000. However, if you want to buy a used one, you must know the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 years to avoid.
When considering the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, manage your expectations, especially regarding its performance and features. While the sedan’s affordability is undeniably attractive, potential buyers should know specific model years that may not meet expectations in terms of reliability.
In this post, we rounded up the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 years to avoid and provided insights to help you with your used car purchase. Despite its modest engine and compact dimensions, the Mirage G4 offers a range of standard features that add value and convenience. However, it would be best if you understood which model years to avoid so you can maximize your investment. Let’s take a look.
Which Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Years to Avoid?
Mitsubishi is known to be a reliable brand. RepairPal rates the Japanese automaker a respectable 4.0 out of 5.0, making it the 6th most reliable out of all car brands. Can we say the same with the Mirage G4? Overall, the Mirage G4 can be a reliable ride, but some years are best avoided due to known issues and owner complaints, such as the following model years:
- 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
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2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
The 2014 Mirage G4 is far from being unreliable. However, if you’re one of our regular readers, we recommend avoiding the first production years due to potential teething issues. Having said that, below are the problems you need to look out for in a used 2017 Mirage G4.
Airbag Troubles
Multiple consumer complaints have indicated that the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has had concerning airbag issues. In several instances, the airbags failed to deploy during serious collisions, even at 40-55 mph speeds. These incidents resulted in injuries to drivers, ranging from whiplash and concussions to neck and back trauma.
One complaint mentions a recall notification for the airbag problem, indicating that Mitsubishi acknowledges the issue. However, the manufacturer’s response has been criticized as slow, leaving drivers at risk. As a compact car, the Mirage G4’s airbag reliability is crucial for ensuring occupant safety during accidents.
Engine-Related Problems
Another reason to avoid the debut G4 model is that it received several NHTSA reports of engine-related issues. One notable report was a sudden catastrophic engine failure, which occurred while the vehicle was in motion on the highway. This failure was accompanied by illuminated warning lights and loud banging noises from the engine compartment.
Another reported issue involved the engine jerking, hesitating, and stalling unexpectedly at various speeds, which is a significant safety hazard. Alarmingly, these problems manifested at relatively low mileage, with one instance occurring at a mere 25,000 miles. The prevalence of these engine troubles at such early stages suggested underlying design or manufacturing flaws.
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Like the previous year, the 2018 Mirage G4 had a decent reputation for reliability. However, some prevalent issues made it a strong candidate as one of the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 years to avoid.
ARE MITSUBISHI CARS RELIABLE?
This underdog status can make a Mitsubishi vehicle a great value, particularly in the pre-owned market. And that leads to the obvious question, “are Mitsubishis reliable?”
Electrical Gremlins
The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 faced various electrical problems that left owners frustrated and concerned about the vehicle’s reliability. One owner reported that, after just one year of ownership, the car experienced a frightening brake failure, requiring the use of the emergency brake. The owner also noted that the battery may be defective, as they had to call emergency assistance on four separate occasions due to battery-related issues. He also added the car was religiously maintained.
Another owner described glitches with the radio and a concerning clicking noise from the engine before starting. They also mentioned electrical issues affecting fuel delivery when turning on the air conditioning or rolling down the windows. Lastly, a person reported that engaging in air conditioning caused the car to slow down. They also noted that the engine was excessively noisy, and the electrical features frequently glitched.
HOW LONG DO MITSUBISHI MIRAGES LAST?
Before you purchase this car, it’s a good idea to consider everything about the vehicle. For instance, you might ask yourself - how long do Mitsubishi Mirages last?
Non-Deployment of Airbags
If you’re concerned about safety, the 2018 Mirage G4 might give you a pause – no thanks to its airbag system faults. Many drivers reported that their vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at low speeds, yet the airbags failed to deploy.
According to experts, these problems mainly stemmed from faulty sensors, which could prevent the airbags from deploying during a collision. This defect posed a serious safety risk, as the airbags might not activate when needed, increasing the risk of injury. Mitsubishi issued a recall to address this problem, urging owners to have their vehicles inspected and repaired. Ensure this recall has been addressed when considering a used 2018 Mirage G4.
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
You know the drill. 2019 is not an unreliable money sink but comparably less dependable than the later years.
Suspension System Faults
Owners frequently report problems with the suspension system of the 2019 Mirage G4. These complaints often highlight a lack of stability and control, especially when driving over uneven surfaces. Some drivers mention persistent noises coming from the front suspension, which can be both annoying and concerning. The issues range from loose or failing components to more serious structural blemishes.
Troublesome Wheel Hubs
Drivers of the 2019 Mirage G4 have encountered wheel hub problems that have made them lose confidence in the vehicle. One owner reported a scary experience in which the passenger-side front wheel suddenly broke free from the car, with the control arm cracking and failing without warning.
Another driver described an ongoing struggle with rapid tire wear on one particular side, having replaced around eight tires, accompanied by steering issues.
Closing Thoughts
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4, particularly the 2017-2019 models, has shown a concerning pattern of reliability issues that have left many owners disappointed and frustrated. From alarming airbag failures during collisions to sudden catastrophic engine problems and pervasive electrical glitches, these are the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 years to avoid if you want a more dependable owner experience.
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