2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Imiev 4dr Hatchback Es
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 62 mi · 7 h on 240 V
- Length
- 144.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,527 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 2,527 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 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 i-MiEV — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 i-MiEV →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imiev 4dr Hatchback Es | 144.9 in | 62.6 in | 63.8 in | 100.4 in | 55.9 / 54.3 in | 2,527 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 | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (this car) | 62 mi | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Spark | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Scion iA | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 MINI John Cooper Works | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Roush Performance Mustang | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
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 · Dec 8, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V793000 · 144 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling all 2016-2017 i-MiEV vehicles, 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 passenger frontal air bag, 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 passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-008.
Not every 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2016 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 |
| 2014 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 i-MiEV | 62 mi | 144.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →