Generations
A05A — Sixth Generation
2012–2021
1.0 3A90, 1.2 3A92
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Mitsubishi Mirage problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion
Steel brake pipes on the Mirage corrode at an accelerated rate compared to the fleet average, particularly affecting the rear axle routing where pipes are exposed to road spray and debris. The corrosion appears earlier than expected on a relatively modern vehicle, with failures documented from as low as 20,000 miles. This represents a fundamental design or material specification issue rather than normal age-related deterioration. Brake pipe failure causes complete loss of braking on the affected circuit.
What happens if ignoredComplete brake pipe failure results in total loss of braking on one circuit. While the dual-circuit system provides backup braking, stopping distances increase dramatically and the vehicle becomes dangerous to drive. Brake pipe replacement typically requires removal of interior trim and underbody protection panels.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£700
Parts only
£50–£120
Major
Suspension joint dust cover deterioration
The rubber dust covers protecting ball joints and track rod ends fail at an exceptionally high rate on the Mirage, with MOT failure rates up to 178.3 times the fleet average. These covers prevent dirt and moisture ingress into the joint, and their failure leads to accelerated wear of the underlying components. The issue affects both front and rear suspension joints across all mileage ranges, suggesting a fundamental material or design problem with the rubber compound used.
What happens if ignoredFailed dust covers allow dirt and moisture into ball joints and track rod ends, causing accelerated wear and eventual failure. Worn suspension joints affect handling precision and can cause MOT failure. Complete joint failure creates a dangerous loss of steering control.
Independent garage
£80–£150
Specialist
£100–£180
Main dealer
£150–£250
Parts only
£20–£50
Major
Premature brake pad wear
Brake pads wear to below the legal 1.5mm limit at an accelerated rate on the Mirage, with MOT failures occurring at exceptionally low mileages. This suggests either inadequate pad material specification for the vehicle weight and braking system, or a brake system design issue causing uneven pad wear. The problem is most severe on the 1.2-litre variants and affects very low mileage vehicles, indicating a fundamental design rather than usage issue.
What happens if ignoredPads worn below 1.5mm fail the MOT and create a safety risk. Completely worn pads damage brake discs and require both pads and discs to be replaced. Early pad wear suggests ongoing higher running costs throughout ownership.
Independent garage
£80–£120
Specialist
£100–£150
Main dealer
£150–£220
Parts only
£25–£50
Major
Airbag warning light illumination
Multiple US owners report airbag warning lights illuminating, often associated with Takata airbag recalls. The warning light indicates a fault in the airbag system that prevents deployment in a crash. This is a significant safety concern that requires immediate diagnosis and repair. Some cases may be related to corroded connections or failed impact sensors.
What happens if ignoredAn illuminated airbag warning light means the airbags will not deploy in a crash, creating a serious safety risk for occupants. The vehicle will fail its MOT with this warning light illuminated. Professional diagnosis with manufacturer scan tools is required to identify the specific fault.
Specialist
£150–£300
Main dealer
£200–£500
Parts only
£100–£400
Takata airbag recall programme
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Mitsubishi Mirage fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
Suspension · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 14x the fleet average
Sample: 1,949 tests
Bumper insecure or with damage
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.4x the fleet average
Sample: 14,827 tests
Rear registration plate lamp or light source mi...
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.0x the fleet average
Sample: 5,225 tests
Fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ...
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 6.8x the fleet average
Sample: 7,506 tests
Brake pipes corroded
Brakes · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 6.5x the fleet average
Sample: 1,098 tests
Anti-roll bar links worn
Suspension · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 5.9x the fleet average
Sample: 180 tests
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Related
- Mitsubishi Mirage buyer's guide
- Mitsubishi Mirage service history check
- Mitsubishi Mirage service schedule & costs
- Mitsubishi Mirage MOT failure rates
- How to check Mitsubishi service history
- Buying a car without service history
- Mitsubishi Mirage car check £7.49
- Free car faults check
- Free MOT failure rate check
- Free car check
Mitsubishi Mirage reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Mirage?
The Mitsubishi Mirage has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake pipe corrosion.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
The Mitsubishi Mirage has 1 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Mitsubishi Mirage problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake pipe corrosion) costs £200–£400 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.