Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage is generally a reliable used vehicle but has some recall issues with exterior lighting and labeling standards, primarily related to aftermarket parts. Buyers should be cautious of lighting equipment that lacks proper reflectors and ensure compliance with safety standards.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 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
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 1 complaint
- Engine and Engine Cooling 1 complaint
- Power Train 1 complaint
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1 complaint
- Structure 1 complaint
Of the 5 complaints on file, 2 report a crash; across all 5 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Improper airbag labels
How to check: Verify airbag labels are bilingual and meet size requirements.
Non-compliant headlamps
How to check: Check for amber side reflectors on headlamps.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear transition.
Red flag: Slipping or rough shifting
- 03
Cruising at 40 mph
What to check: Observe for steering wheel vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent vibration
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure power is adequate and smooth.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power
- 05
Braking at 30 mph
What to check: Ensure braking is smooth and responsive.
Red flag: Pulsing or grabbing brakes
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the headlamp assembly been replaced?
- Are the airbag labels compliant?
- Have there been any transmission issues?
- Do you have maintenance records?
- Were any repairs done after an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Recall repair documentation
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.