1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Transmission and drivetrain 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 transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage, 20% of the 74 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car is having a problem shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I took it to the dealership and after running tests they determined I was in need of a new transmission. The transmission was just serviced in january. I was not experiencing any other problems until all of a sudden it started shifting really hard from 2nd to 3rd. It shakes and then bangs into gear.”
NHTSA complaint #730339, filed 2000-09“(at around 57, 000 miles, we had the car serviced 11/30/99. Included was a 60,000 mile transmission check and service. ) on april 10, 2000, the transmission failed without warning. It went out of gear into neutral so my husband had no control of the car. He was driving in our neighborhood, so luckily he didn't get into an accident or get hurt. Note: some of the auto information and dealer info is incomplete--the paperwork is in the car at the mechanics, I can get that info if you need. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #721677, filed 2000-04“My car is only three years old and has been serviced as suggested. All of a sudden my transmission goes out. The manufacturer is now telling me that I will need a new one. The car is not that old and in my opinion I do not feel that it should already be in need of an overhaul. My brakes are also beginning to fail. The brake pads and rotors have already been changed twice and now are beginning to grind again. After having it checked my a mechanic, he says I do not need new brake pads but they continue to make a grinding noise. No one knows what is causing this noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #730337, filed 2000-09“Problem #1) immediately following the purchase of the car, I became aware that there was a problem. The car stalls when the clutch is depressed. It will occur a dozen times throughout the day and then not happen for another 6-8 months. It happened for the first time approximately 6 months after the purchase. I reported it to colonial auto center and nothing was found wrong. It happened again in january 1998 while my husband was driving. Again, I brought the car back and nothing was found. It happened in the summer of 1998, and again in april of 1999. …”
NHTSA complaint #707644, filed 1999-06“5th gear broke while highway cruising. Had multiple problems with transmission failure including hard shift, rattling gears and clutch problems. Found shaft within transmission stripped. Gear was free spinning on shaft. Transmission beginning to display same symptoms again. Failure with trans has been about every 12,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #724224, filed 2000-06Related service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10016754Jul 1, 20052-3 SHIFT FLARE.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2018 | 1 | 10% |
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 4 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 20% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 14% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 14% |
| 1997 | 15 | 20% |
| 1996 | 4 | 14% |
| 1995 | 2 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage
18 complaintsAir bags
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