1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 20%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage, 20% of the 74 complaints for this model year. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at about 65 MPH, had a very bad tire blowout. Front driver's side tires, and back driver's side tires blewout, car hit a concrete wall, and driver's side airbag deployed and inflated. However, passenger's side air bag deployed, but did not inflate. Consumer felt someone could have been seriously injured in this type of situation.”
NHTSA complaint #864228, filed 2000-06“While driving at the speeds of 60-65mph vehicle struck a 180 pound deer, causing serious damage to the front of vehicle. Upon impact, neither driver's side or passenger side air bags deployed. Driver suffered injuries to the back and neck. Also, driver's face struck steering wheel. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #852950, filed 1999-11“Vehicle hit a drain in the yard at 5 MPH and both frontal airbags deployed. Dealer can't find reason for problem. Driver sustained injuries. Mechanic wrote there was no damage to the front or rear of the vehicle to make the air bags deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #827411, filed 2003-10“When the vehicle was involved in a front end crash the air bag deployed, but the seat belt did not restrain the occupant, causing the driver to hit head on windshield, air bag deployment resulted in scrapes and bruising. Reported by debbie barker at state farm insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #831922, filed 1998-12“Overhead dome light and srs light come on. Gas guage fails to work properly, not showing correct amount of fuel. Vehicle wanders unexpectedly carbon build up causes vehicle to stall. Speedometer shows different speed than actually doing; wheels vibrates; was told tires cupping.”
NHTSA complaint #826146, filed 1998-07Related service bulletins
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 40% |
| 2018 | 4 | 40% |
| 2017 | 6 | 40% |
| 2015 | 8 | 21% |
| 2014 | 15 | 34% |
| 2002 | 1 | 20% |
| 2001 | 4 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 11% |
| 1999 | 9 | 16% |
| 1998 | 9 | 21% |
| 1997 | 15 | 20% |
| 1996 | 12 | 43% |
| 1995 | 35 | 50% |
| 1994 | 30 | 50% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology