2022 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant or coolant in transmission (strawberry milkshake fluid), CVT slipping or shuddering during acceleration, Check engine light with transmission temperature codes, Overheating transmission especially in hot climates or city driving

Fix: Replace CVT oil cooler assembly, flush both cooling and transmission systems completely, replace CVT fluid and filter. If contamination went undetected, CVT replacement may be necessary. 4-6 hours labor for cooler alone, 8-12 hours if CVT is damaged.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for cooler replacement; $3,500-5,000 if CVT needs replacement

Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, Complete loss of power, engine seizes, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Oil pressure warning light before failure, Hole punched through block in worst cases (spun bearing)

Fix: This three-cylinder has documented cases of premature bearing wear and connecting rod failure, likely from oil starvation or manufacturing defect. Requires complete engine replacement or full rebuild with new crank, bearings, pistons, and rods. 12-18 hours labor for used engine swap, 20-30 hours for proper rebuild.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500 used engine installed; $5,000-8,000 for rebuild with all new internals

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration felt through shifter and floor at idle, Visible engine movement when revving in Park, Transmission feels like it's 'rocking' during acceleration

Fix: The CVT mount tends to tear or collapse, especially on cars used for frequent short trips or city driving. Straightforward replacement, but access requires removing battery and tray on some configurations. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Loss of power under acceleration, Rough idle or stalling at stops, Check engine light with fuel pressure or lean codes

Fix: The 1.2L uses gasoline direct injection and the in-tank fuel filter can clog prematurely with poor fuel quality. Filter is part of the pump assembly. Requires fuel tank drop and pump replacement. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust (coolant burning), Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil cap shows milky residue, Overheating with bubbles in coolant reservoir, Rough running and misfires

Fix: Three-cylinder design runs hot and head gasket failure, while uncommon, does happen. Requires head removal, resurfacing, new gasket set, timing components, and fluids. Often find warped head requiring machine work or replacement. 8-12 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200 depending on head condition