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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-MITSUBISHI-I-MIEV
2012 · mitsubishi

mitsubishi i-MiEV problems

2 safety recalls. 13 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

brakes
6 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 i-MiEV · brakes
2012 MITSUBISHI I-MIEV. COMPLAINT RELATED TO SECOND RECALL OF I-MIEV. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED AT 12,000 MILES, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS DISINTEGRATED FOR NO REASON. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VACUUM PUMP RELATED AND THE BRAKE PADS DISINTEGRATING WERE RELATED. THE CONSUMER STATED…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10661700.0
2012 i-MiEV · other
TWO TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SEIZED AND SHEARED GEARS OR SHEARED GEARS RESPECTIVELY. ADDITIONALLY THE TRACTION BATTERY RETAINS 61% OF ADVERTISED CAPACITY AFTER 5.5 YEARS AND 41,XXX MILES.
11/15/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11151876.0
2012 i-MiEV · brakes Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI I-MIEV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPINE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS…
11/10/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10653848.0
2012 i-MiEV · airbags Crash
THE I-MIEV WAS BEING OPERATED IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN IT HIT A PARKED CAR A AND PUSHED A INTO PARKED CAR B. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IN THE I-MIEV DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER DID NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, ACCORDING TO WITNESSES,…
08/23/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10627794.0

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 13V031000 25/01/2013

Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011, through September 7, 2012

If the vaccum pump system fails, it will reduce available brake power which would result in lengthened stopping distances, which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected vacuum pumps free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
severe NHTSA 12V372000 01/08/2012

Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV vehicles manufactured between November 4, 2011, and December 22, 2011

The side and curtain air bags may not deploy in a crash for which those air bags were intended to deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incompatible air bag sensors with new, compatible units, free of charge. The safety recall began on during August 2012. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 6 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mitsubishi i-MiEV has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 13 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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