2002 Mitsubishi Mirage Problems & Complaints

Better than average83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mirage at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 83% fewer than a typical Mirage model year at the same age, making the 2002 one of the better Mirage years. The most reported problem area is the brakes (1 complaint). One recall covers this model year.

5complaints
1recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage problems

  • Brakes
    120%
  • Air bags
    120%
  • Engine & cooling~29,000 miles
    120%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~58,000 miles
    120%
  • Body & structure
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mitsubishi Mirage complaints by model year

1995199619971998199920002001200220142015201720182019702874435735315443915105
Owner complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Mirage. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Mirage years: 2019, 2018, 2017. Years to avoid: 1997, 1995, 1999. Compare all years →

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage recalls (1)

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 04V-428 · Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles

Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

Remedy: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label.

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.5L 4-cyl5-speed manualFWD27 / 35 / 30
1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manualFWD25 / 33 / 28
1.5L 4-cyl4-speed automaticFWD24 / 32 / 27
1.8L 4-cyl4-speed automaticFWD22 / 30 / 25

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Mirage rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Mirage at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The brakes — 1 complaint, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components. Next are the air bags (1) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage have?

There is 1 recall for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage, the most recent from September 1, 2004 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Mirage?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1995 and 1999. See the full Mitsubishi Mirage years comparison.

At what mileage do 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.