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2015 Mitsubishi Mirage Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bags and wiring. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake grinding and premature pad wear.” Mitsubishi publishes short, conservative intervals: oil every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe, and — unlike many rivals — an explicit CVT fluid replacement schedule rather than a 'lifetime fill' claim. Read the severe-service column honestly: stop-and-go city trips, short hops, and hot climates all qualify, and they describe how most Mirages actually live. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty stays intact only with documented on-schedule service.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS

Campaign #17V686000 · Oct 30, 2017

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misinterpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.

Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as designed in a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-006.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #15V815000 · Apr 12, 2015

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to September 2, 2015. If the driver enters an affected vehicle with their feet covered water and salt, it may soak through the carpet and cause corrosion to a wiring connector located in a junction box behind a kick panel to the left of the driver's footrest.

Risk: In the event of a crash, corrosion of the connector could delay deployment of the frontal air bags, increasing the risk of injury to the driver and the front seat passenger.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected connectors, replacing any found to be corroded. A waterproof sheet will be installed over the connectors to prevent future corrosion. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-001.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake grinding and premature pad wear

SERVICE BRAKES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2021-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, MAKING TURNS, OR TRAVELING DOWNHILL FIFTY FT BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD MAKE A GULPING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064958
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUIBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING AND SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821465
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DOWN A HILL, THERE WAS A VIBRATION ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10669568

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wander and lane drift

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2019-05

“STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO DRIFT OUT OF ALIGNMENT WHEN THE CAR IS GOING STRAIGHT. IT ALSO OCCURS DURING TURNS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11216968
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. IN ADDITION, WHEN PASSENGERS OR ITEMS WERE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10872976
“WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON FULL, THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY STAYING IN THE LANE AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899794

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2019-05

“ON 3/8/2018, MY 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY A SIMI-TRUCK GOING 50 OR MORE MILES PER HOUR. YET, MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES FROM THIS ACCIDENT WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE, IF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ACCORDINGLY. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11101960
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON A PATCH OF BLACK ICE AND STRUCK A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047633
“I HAD A CAR WRECK ON JUNE 10, 2016. I HIT AN SUV THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME, AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON INTIAL IMPACT. I HIT THE SUV, THEN HIT AN IMBANKMENT. WHEN I HIT THE IMBANKMENT, IT DEPLOYED. IT SHOULD HAVE COME OUT ON INTIAL IMPACT. THE IMPACT WS SO GREAT, I HIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882805

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration at low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2018-08

“THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD STREET AND THERE WAS NOTHING REMARKABLE ABOUT THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED SPONTANEOUSLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY IN VERY LITTLE TIME, CAUSING THE CAR TO CRASH INTO A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924559
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AT FULL SPEED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A RAVINE AND CRASHED INTO TREES. THE CONTACT LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND WAS AWAKENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10892803
“I HAD TO MAKE COMPLETE SUDDEN STOP WHEN I HAD TO PUT ON THE BRAKES QUICKLY TO AVOID WRECK. I WAS IN THE FAST LANE AND WHEN I WENT TO START TO GO AGAIN IT DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTART IT. IF THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115368

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe. Mirage's 1.2L three-cylinder holds barely over 3 quarts — small sumps punish stretched intervals. 0W-20 on most recent models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

CVT Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Mitsubishi schedules CVT fluid replacement — commonly every 60,000 miles normal / 30,000 severe (check your year's table). Use only the specified CVT fluid (J4/CVTF-J4 family); generic ATF destroys the belt-and-pulley unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Light Mirages are easy on tires but the economy-focused OEM rubber wears fast when neglected.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors/drums, and lines at each service — Mirage G4 retains rear drums, which need periodic adjustment checks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 2-3 years per the schedule. Cheap job, big ABS-unit insurance.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs commonly every 60,000 miles on the Mirage's 3A92 and Lancer's 4B11 — verify your year's table, as some engines list up to 105,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Mitsubishi's schedule replaces the engine air filter every 15,000 miles — shorter than most brands, and a 5-minute DIY on the Mirage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Drive Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on cracking. The Mirage's single serpentine belt also drives the A/C — a failure strands the car's accessories at once.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles, behind the glovebox. Often skipped at quick-lube visits — worth checking if airflow feels weak.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

First change around 60,000 miles, then roughly every 30,000-45,000 per the schedule. Mitsubishi long-life coolant or equivalent OAT for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Small-battery economy cars have little reserve — the first cold snap finds a weak one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

35 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage reflects Mitsubishi's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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