Used buying checklist
Mitsubishi Mirage reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Mitsubishi Mirage looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 10.9% of 11,817 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 10.9% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 35,328 miles
- 1,286 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (10.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, and is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
- corroded and seriously weakened
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- across an axle
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
- jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 10.9%, -7.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed11,817 tests
- Median tested mileage35,328 miles
- Failed MOT tests1,286
Should you buy a used Mitsubishi Mirage?
89.1% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 10.9%, -7.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (10.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Mirage, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 8.1% at 0-3 years to 0.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
3 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (10.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (9.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (3.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Mirage, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (10.1 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Mitsubishi Mirage mainly involve 3 areas: lights and electrical, tyres and wheels, and brakes. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Mirage, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and suspension and steering.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 8,285 | 7,443 | 8.6%-2.2 percentage points vs all models | 26,409 miles |
| 50-100k | 3,160 | 2,610 | 15.8%-4.9 percentage points vs all models | 64,084 miles |
| 100-150k | 312 | 242 | 20.5%-5.7 percentage points vs all models | 111,143 miles |
| 150-200k | 20 | 15 | 25.0%-2.3 percentage points vs all models | 165,669 miles |
| 200k+ | 4 | 3 | 25.0%-1.6 percentage points vs all models | 223,973 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Mitsubishi Mirage, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 8.1% at 0-3 years to 0.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 14.0% for 10-15 years cars, based on 1,080 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
172 | 159 | 8.1%-0.3 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
3,259 | 2,966 | 7.3%-3.3 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
7,305 | 6,317 | 12.1%-4.5 percentage points vs all models | 8.4 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
1,080 | 936 | 14.0%-9.6 percentage points vs all models | 10.2 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1 | 1 | 0.0%-25.9 percentage points vs all models | 22.7 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
3 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2019-01-08 | INAPPROPRIATE ECU PROGRAM FOR THE BATTERY DETERIORATION JUDGMENT (STATE OF CHARGE) Inappropriate ECU program for battery deterioration judgement. Reprogram the software with the countermeasure software. |
|---|---|
| 2013-12-18 | BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED There is the possibility that air may have become trapped in the ABS hydraulic unit of the braking system caused by improper air bleeding during the factory brake fluid refill. In the worst case this can cause increased brake pedal stroke and/or decreased braking force. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the hydraulic unit (ABS) and bleed the brakes. |
| 2013-04-10 | BRAKING MAY BE REDUCED It is possible that moisture can enter the front wheel ABS sensors via its wiring due to insufficient waterproofing. This can cause the generation of an abnormal signal to the ABS ECU. This will normally be identified to the driver by the illumination of a warning light on the dash panel the fluctuation of the speedometer needle or noise produced by the false activation of the ABS system. In extreme cases it could affect the directional control of the vehicle or reduce the braking efficiency of the vehicle. Recall all affected vehicle to replace the sensors. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Mitsubishi Mirage. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Mitsubishi reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.