Mitsubishi Lancer problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 108 owner complaints and 12 recalls on file for the Mitsubishi Lancer (2005–2017). The 2009 Lancer has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
108
Recalls
12
Model years
13
Worst year
2009

Complaints by model year

2200552006200719200818200962010520119201212013620146201525201662017
NHTSA complaints per Mitsubishi Lancer model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Mitsubishi Lancer years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer — 18 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer — 25 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2007 (0 complaints).

Every Mitsubishi Lancer model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2017 Lancer61000Airbags
2016 Lancer251012Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 Lancer60001Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 Lancer61010Transmission & Drivetrain
2013 Lancer10000Brakes
2012 Lancer91001Transmission & Drivetrain
2011 Lancer50003Body & Structure
2010 Lancer61006Steering
2009 Lancer183026Electrical System
2008 Lancer193023Suspension
2007 Lancer00002—
2006 Lancer50004Body & Structure
2005 Lancer20003Engine

Most common Mitsubishi Lancer problem areas (all years)

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    33 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    18 complaints
  • Suspension
    18 complaints
  • Engine
    13 complaints
  • Electrical System
    12 complaints
  • Airbags
    9 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    8 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints
  • Lighting
    6 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222024
Complaints about the Mitsubishi Lancer received by NHTSA each month.

Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

  • Recall 20V279000May 18, 2020141,200 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V220000Apr 5, 201817,120 vehiclesModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 18V071000Jan 26, 201856,641 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V069000Jan 26, 2018141,053 vehiclesModel years 2009–2012

    Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V609000Sep 29, 2017132,552 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V569000Sep 14, 201766,001 vehiclesModel years 2005–2006

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 16V563000Jul 28, 201682,436 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V458000Jun 23, 2016194,674 vehiclesModel years 2005–2007

    Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V334000May 23, 201638,628 vehiclesModel years 2006–2007

    Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 15V233000Apr 20, 201576,958 vehiclesModel years 2009–2011

    Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V232000Apr 20, 201553,396 vehiclesModel years 2009–2010

    Risk: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V562000Sep 12, 2014165,923 vehiclesModel years 2008–2011

    Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Mitsubishi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology