Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage has notable issues with engine components and non-compliant exterior lighting, potentially affecting safety. Buyers should closely examine these areas to avoid major costs or safety hazards.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 35 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V428000 MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN/FMVSS 208/AIR BAG LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V340001 MITSUBISHI AMERICA/CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 9 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 5 complaints
- Suspension 5 complaints
- Air Bags 4 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 4 complaints
Of the 35 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 35 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crankshaft pulley may detach
How to check: Inspect the area around the crankshaft pulley for signs of looseness or wear.
Non-compliant headlamp assemblies
How to check: Verify aftermarket headlamps meet FMVSS No. 108 with amber side reflectors.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Unusual knocking or rattling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Illuminated engine warning light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Notice any irregular engine behavior or noises.
Red flag: Engine stutter or vibration
- 04
Parking
What to check: Feel for smooth steering response and braking.
Red flag: Difficulty steering or grinding brakes
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the crankshaft bolt been checked recently?
- Are the headlamps original or aftermarket?
- Have there been any unresolved recalls?
- What's the maintenance history like?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title certificate
- Previous sale receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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