Being pegged as one of the cheapest cars on sale may sound delightful. But often, it causes potential buyers to see the vehicle in a negative light. Such is the story with the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage and models from other years. 

The Mirage offers bare-bones essentials for budget-conscious drivers. Although it’s historically one of the cheapest cars on sale, there’s a lot to like. Acceptable comfort, adequate entertainment tech, and outstanding fuel economy make the Mirage a good pick for the frugal. Yet, it’s essential to know that a cheap car is reliable. There’s no sense in owning a car that spends more time with a mechanic than on the road. 

So, is the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage the hopeless pile of steel and plastic some think it is? Or is it one of the more reliable cars available?

What are some common faults with the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage?

Despite what people may think, there aren’t many issues with the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage. CarComplaints doesn’t report any pressing consumer issues, only some detailing simple fixes by dealerships. According to consumer reviews, Kelley Blue Book also rates the Mirage 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. Owners rated their Mirage’s reliability even higher.

RepairPal does assert one significant fault with the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage. Based on owner grievances, they claim that the brake rotors prematurely wear, and subsequently, the brake pads. The problem can surface with as little as 2,000 miles on the odometer, leading to “pulsation” in the brake pedal. But the fix is quick and easy. RepairPal technicians recommend replacing the stock components with quality replacement parts.

Has the NHTSA recalled the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued two recalls on the five-door hatchback variant of the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage. The Mirage G4 sedan had one additional.

The government agency explained a fault with the internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The SRS-ECU software can misinterpret tremors in the car, like those from poor road conditions, as a sensor error. Consequently, the system will disable the airbags from deploying in the event of an impact. Mitsubishi dealers took in affected Mirages—model years 2014-2018—to reprogram the SRS-ECU software free of charge. 

Moreover, another recall states that 2017 Mirages equipped with HID headlamps may have been assembled without its horizontal adjustment lockout clips properly fastened. Dealers were tasked with securing the headlights, also without charge.

Will the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage last for 200,000 miles? 

If owners are dedicated to regular maintenance schedules, the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage will achieve and even surpass the 200,000-mile threshold. Some may even travel double that. 

CarBuzz reports of a 2014 Mirage that clocked 414,000 miles. Only two components needed replacing—the wheel bearings at around 150,000 miles and a new starter at 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Although many won’t keep their sub-$12,000 used Mirage on the road for that long, it’s nice to know it’s possible. 

With a lower cost of purchase, lower frequency of maintenance, and cheaper replacement parts, the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage is a superb used car. Yes, it has a hilariously loud and underpowered engine and vague steering, among other less-than-stellar qualities. Regardless, it will go the distance while remaining conscious of owner bank accounts.