2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Pictured: 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (GA MY10) hatchback (2015-11-11) 01. Photo: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
Imiev 4dr Hatchback Es
Engines
Electric motor
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV
EV range
59 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

  • Few owner complaints1 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Short EV rangeUp to 59 miles on a charge (EPA) — plan around charging.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2017 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 59 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 and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2017

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 i-MiEV — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 i-MiEV →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Imiev 4dr Hatchback Es144.9 in62.6 in63.8 in100.4 in55.9 / 54.3 in2,527 lb45/55

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
i-MiEV EV49 kW DCPMAutomatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive59 mi · 30 kWh/100mi–$700–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2017 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Similar 2017 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (this car)59 miNot rated2
2017 Mitsubishi Mirage39 MPGNot rated3
2017 Chevrolet Spark33 MPGNot rated1
2017 Toyota Mirai–Not rated0
2017 Roush Performance Mustang17 MPGNot rated0

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Service Brakes1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. 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 59 miles.
  4. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other i-MiEV years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2016 i-MiEV62 mi144.9 inNot rated20
2014 i-MiEV62 mi144.9 inNot rated30
2013 i-MiEV62 mi144.9 inNot rated20
2012 i-MiEV62 mi144.9 inNot rated69

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →