MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 1999 : Problems

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Automatic Transmission

ODI ID: 10046861 NHTSA Complaint ID: 451947

Make: Mitsubishi Model: 1999 MIRAGE 99

Component/Parts: Automatic Transmission

Failure Date: November 13, 2003 Complaint Date: November 13, 2003

City/State: ROME, NY (New York)
Crash: No Fire: No Injured: 0 Deaths: 0

Complaint Description: i own a 1999 mitsubishi mirage de, which i purchased 3/8/02; it has a 1.5 liter engine and an automatic 4 speed transmission. within days, i noticed that the transmission shifted abnormally from the 1st to the 2nd gears when the engine is cold. this abnormality can be described as a hesitation or slipping at some times, or a popping, like gunfire, at others. again, this shifting sensation is more noticeable when the engine is cold. i notified the dealer from which the vehicle was purchased of this problem on 3/19/02. they test drove the vehicle and indicated on the repair slip that they were unsure as to whether or not a problem existed. on april 5, 2002, i discussed this matter again with rome ford, where this car was purchased. in an attempt to remedy this situation, they sent the vehicle to our local mitsubishi dealer, paolozzi mitsubishi in marcy, ny, for an evaluation. the evaluation resulted in the statement to rome ford that nothing was wrong. on 2/27/03, i encountered yet another unrelated problem with the fan belt loosening and getting chewed up by the pulleys, for which i brought the car directly to paolozzi; for this, they charged me $119.48 for checking the belts and pulleys, and found the power steering pump pulley misaligned. they removed the pump and bracket, remounted it and installed a new belt. it seems to me that i should not have been charged for this service, as this problem is outlined on a web site as recall #00v311001. i mentioned the fan belt problem because on that same date, i again complained about how the transmission shifts. i was charged $18.00 for a diagnostic analysis, for which paolozzi stated on the invoice that the transmission shifting is consistent with specifications and that no problems with the transmission were evident. to date, the problem persists, and i am nearing the end of the powertrain warranty, as i now have about 57,000 miles on the car and the warranty ends at 60,000 miles. *la .