The Dodge Mirada spans 1981–1983 with 3 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Dodge Mirada is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1983 across multiple generations.
How to read a Dodge Mirada VIN — every digit explained
Every Dodge Mirada carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Dodge and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Mirada.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Mirada, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Dodge Mirada have?
The Dodge Mirada has 3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1982 Dodge Mirada recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
1981 Dodge Mirada recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System
What's wrong. ENGINE MAY LOSE POWER OR STALL DUE TO CARBURETOR FLOODING. THIS IS CAUSED BY A POOR ELECTRICAL GROUND ON THE CARBURETOR FUEL BOWL VENT SOLENOID. VEHICLES MAY ALSO HAVE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS WHILE THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP IN COLD WEATHER. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE ENGINE MISSING, SAGS, AND HESITATION. THIS IS CAUSED BY A STICKING CARBURETOR OXYGEN FEEDBACK SOLENOID.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT CARBURETOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE BOWL VENT SOLENOID WILL BE REPAIRED BY RESOLDERING (RECONNECTING) THE EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FREE OF CHARGE. IF APPLICABLE, THE OXYGEN FEEDBACK SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED.
Best and worst years for the Dodge Mirada
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Dodge Mirada — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Dodge Mirada problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Dodge Mirada — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Dodge Mirada specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Dodge Mirada measures 209″ long on a 113″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,380 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Dodge Mirada window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 209″ | 73″ | 53″ | 113″ | 3,380 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Dodge Mirada cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Mirada holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Dodge Mirada tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Dodge Mirada get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Dodge Mirada have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Dodge Mirada cost to own?
A Dodge Mirada holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Mirada is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Mirada loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Mirada ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Dodge Mirada safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Mirada yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Dodge Mirada last?
A well-maintained Dodge Mirada typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Dodge Mirada’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Mirada’s VIN free →All Dodge Mirada model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Dodge Mirada — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Mirada | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 Mirada | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1981 Mirada | 2 recalls | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Mirada?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Dodge Mirada.
How many recalls does the Mirada have?
3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Dodge recalls and reliability across every model.
How many miles does a Mirada last?
A well-maintained Mirada typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Mirada reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Mirada is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Dodge Mirada warranty?
New Dodge models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Dodge dealer.
Where is the Dodge Mirada made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Mirada's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Dodge may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Mirada have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.