DecodedCars2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Imiev
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 62 mi · 7 h on 240 V
- Length
- 144.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,582 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Short EV rangeUp to 62 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a subcompact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 145 inches long and 63 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,582 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 62 miles and takes about 7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imiev | 144.9 in | 62.6 in | 63.8 in | 100.4 in | 55.9 / 54.3 in | 2,582 lb | 45/55 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i-MiEV EV | 49 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 62 mi · 30 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.7 MPG2012 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (this car) | 62 mi | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 MINI Clubman | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Scion xD | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Roush Performance Mustang | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 CODA Automotive CODA | 88 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Nov 8, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V804000 · 2,108 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
- Risk
- Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V022000 · 1,964 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012 and 2014 i-MiEV vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-001.
Air Bags · Sep 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V594000 · 13,558 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured October 28, 2011, to September 7, 2012. Due to an increased resistance in the impact sensor for the air bag system, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal, side and/or curtain air bags when the SRS warning is illuminated, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment and/or the side and curtian air bag may not deploy at all.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not deploy or deploys late, increases the risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected impact sensors, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-011.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V522000 · 1,810 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2009, to March 25, 2014. Due to either software programming or corrosion caused by road salt, the brake vacuum pump may stop functioning.
- Risk
- If the brake vacuum pump stops functioning, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and depending on the affected vehicle, dealers will either reprogram the brake vacuum pump controller, replace the brake vacuum pump or do both, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-007.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist · Jan 25, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V031000 · 1,402 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011, through September 7, 2012. The brake system vacuum pump may fail, causing the vacuum pump to be inoperable.
- Risk
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Aug 1, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V372000 · 261 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV vehicles manufactured between November 4, 2011, and December 22, 2011. Incompatibility between the air bag sensors and the self-diagnostic software may deactivate the frontal and side airbag system. Should this occur, the SRS warning lamp would illuminate to alert the driver.
- Risk
- 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.
Not every 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
9Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
41,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 62 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other i-MiEV years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 i-MiEV | 59 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2016 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →