Mitsubishi Lancer
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2008–2017). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Mitsubishi Lancer? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceBelow AverageComplaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer (2008–2017) are concentrated in the power train and engine components, with 2009 and 2008 model years accounting for the highest number of reports. A recurring theme appears to be electrical system and service brake issues, though the data does not confirm a manufacturing defect.
- Power train complaints are the most reported component with 133 complaints.
- Engine complaints total 78, the second highest.
- 2009 model year has the highest number of complaints at 121.
- 2013 model year has the fewest complaints at 5.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER component has 36 complaints.
- Air bags component has 36 complaints.
- Steering component has 32 complaints.
Model years 2009, 2008, and 2010 show elevated complaints, driven primarily by power train and engine issues.
Model years 2013, 2017, and 2012 show the fewest complaints, which may indicate improved reliability or lower reporting rates.
- Inspect UNKNOWN OR OTHER component for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for power train, engine, and electrical system.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
26 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2008–2017. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 454 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
454 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
MASTER CYLINDER CLUTCH IS FAULTY CAUSING THE PROBLEMS IN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. AN ARTICLE ONLINE STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FROM 2008-2013 REGARDING THIS ISSUE. WHY IS MY VIN NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PER WEB ARTICLE RETRIEVED 06/10/2020 : HTTPS://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/CAR-NEWS/2008-13-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-EVOLUTION-RECALLED-BECAUSE-CLUTCH-MASTER-CYLINDER-CAN-FAIL.HTML, WRITTEN BY [XXX] 10/28/2013 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VEHICLE HAS OVERHEATED ON THE HIGHWAY,. ONCE IT DID TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY MORE OFTEN, EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERIES WERE STILL GOOD. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0420, IT SEEMS TO BE THE CATALYST CONVERTER AND 02 SENSORS IN TAKE AND OUT TAKE. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON THE VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF. WHEN I REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ALSO TURNS OFF.
WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP CAR HAS SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING AND SHIFTING. ITS EVEN WORSE WHEN THE A/C IS RUNNING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE TOLD ITS THE TYPE OF TRANSMISSION IT IS (CVT). I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE CASE WHEN A PERSON ON A BICYCLE CAN TAKE OFF AT A RED LIGHT FASTER THEN MY CAR I KNOW THERE ID A PROBLEM. I KNOW THEY RECALLED THE TRANSMISSION ON YEARS PRIOR UP TO 2012 LANCERS BUT THE 2013 HAS THE SAME TRANSMISSION
TAKATA RECALL- ABS LIGHT IS ON PER RECALL IT HAS TO DO WITH AIR BAG INFLATOR IN OTHER MITSUBISHI CARS. ALSO THE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN AND OVER HEATS. THIS HAS BEEN NOTICED. THIS IS THE TIME IT HAPPENED.
ABOUT A MONTH AGO SERVICE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND THROWS CODE P1875(DAMPER SPEED SENSOR) . I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MITSUBISHI THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS OTHER THAN PURCHASING A NEW $15,000 SST TRANSMISSION FROM THEM. THE CAR IS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH BY NOW. HOW IS IT THAT MITSUBISHI DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS ISSUE?
SEE ATTACHED FILE:
Vehicle shudders and surges while driving almost rubber banding. Mechanic showing code for fluid pressure sensor. Call to local Mitsubishi dealer said transmission needs to be replaced and since we are 2nd owners the 100k mile powertrain warranty doesn’t apply. This vehicle has 81k miles and it’s already fried and Mitsubishi doesn’t care unless we buy a new one.
The transmission has a severe shudder and lack of power. The malfunction occurs frequently and most recently has occurred while making a left turn in an intersection when the vehicle suddenly stumbled in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic nearing. The problem has been confirmed by Mitsubishi with a TSB released regarding the affected vehicles TSB-22-23-001REV, however, they refuse to do anything since the vehicle is no longer under warranty. The check engine light appears when the issues occurs, code "P084a" along with the "Service Transmission" indicator on the instrument cluster.
I was in 2 auto accidents within the same vehicle within the last month and the airbags didn't deploy either time.
Airbag light came on saying there is something wrong with my car. No recalls for this vehicle even though this is a huge safety concern and is by default a problem with how the manufacturer made the vehicle.
I FINALLY GOT HOME TO LOOK AT MY NEW CAR AND I WANT CAR THAT HAS NO SCRATCHES OR PAINT EVEN COMING OFF SLIGHTLY.... THIS A HARDLY THING YOU CAN SEE AND MY DEFROST, WHEN IS CUT ON, MAKES A CLICK/POP NOISE EARLY IN MORNING... I WANT A CAR ALSO WITH SPORT MODE A MITSUBISHI LANCER THANK YALL . *TR
The contact owns a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side wheel had caved inward from the top. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was determined that the cross members were rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
VEHICLE HAS APROX. 100K MILES ON ODOMETER AS OF TIME OF COMPLAINT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR TRANSMISSION "SLOW DOWN" MESSAGE BEFORE. VEHICLE HESITATES FOR APROX. 1-2 SEC. BEFORE MOVING FROM A STOP. VEHICLE THEN PROCEDED TO COMPLETELY STOP AND NOT DRIVE WHILE "DRIVE" RANGE WAS SELECTED. VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC UNTIL DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, SHUT OFF, AND RESTART ENGINE. SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH OUTLANDER VEHICLES OF SIMILAR AGE AND SAME TRANSMISSION, CAUSED BY FAULTY TCM SOFTWARE. MULTIPLE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY SIMILAR FAULTS.
The subframe on a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer with 57,000 miles on it has rusted and cracked. This seems identical to NHTSA campaign number: 20V-279 but this year/make is not covered under recall. I have pictures and a video taken by Conrad's as they are doing the replacement. I attached the photos but the video is to large, so here is a link https://photos.app.goo.gl/akY1TzhF6SXRSJFs7
The contact owns a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he smelled a strong gasoline odor inside and outside of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continually drive the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V546000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Parking Brake). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SLOW DOWN MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
I WAS HIT YESTERDAY WHEN SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING MAYBE 40 MPH DOWN A STRAIGHT CITY STREET BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF WHEN I WAS HIT
BELT TENSIONER IS BAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING MAKES NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD IN THE MORNING
THE AYC PUMP(AWD PUMP) KEEPS SAYING IT'S GOING OUT AND THIS HAPPENS TO MULTIPLE PEOPLE. A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE. THE PUMP NEEDS TO BE RELOCATED AND REPLACED AT MITSUBISHI'S COST. IT'S NOT FAIR TO THE BUYERS THAT WE WERE PAYING FOR A CAR THAT WE HAD TO BUY 1 $1700+ PART AND LABOR. IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IF THE PUMP GOES WHILE DRIVING IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IN WINTER OF 2018 WAS MY FIRST YEAR IN SNOW WITH IT. ABOUT FEBRUARY WHENEVER THE WEATHER WOULD GET ABOVE 40 DEGREES, THE TARMAC LIGHT WOULD START TO FLASH SIGNALING THE PUMP IS FAILING.
AYC PUMP FAILURE
Showing 20 of 454 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Lancer
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Lancer has 454 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Lancer has 26 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 39 of the Mitsubishi Lancer's 454 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Lancer has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.