2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 121 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated12.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
12.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer has 121 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 121
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer has 121 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to the transmission/drivetrain and engine. There are 8 recalls and 11 crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the confidence level is low.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most numerous at 31.
- Engine problems account for 30 complaints.
- Electrical faults and brake system issues are also notable with 19 and 17 complaints respectively.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 31 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 30 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 7 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nea…
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights turned off and turned on independently, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer wer…
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldn’t pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the…
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while the vehicle was having a routine oil change at the dealer, the mechanic stated that rear crossmember bar was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was informed that the …
My brake light are no longer working and it is not because of a bulb I replaced all of them and they still do not work. And also my cruise control turns on and off but it will not set a speed
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that after the vehicle had sat for over five days undriven, the vehicle had to be jump started. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was di…
THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR PARKED AND RUNNING. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG MODULE THRU 2007 LANCER. MINE HAS 71K MILES. IS THERE A RECALL IN THE WORKS FOR 2009 MODELS?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED UPON DEPRESSION AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP HIS BRAKES REPEATEDLY IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE;…
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
SUB FRAME IS BAD ON THE CAR. HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AND STATE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CALLED MITSUBISHI MOTORS AND DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES NO RESOLUTION...
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE STILL OPERATING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE ECU, PART NUMBER 8637C096 IS WHAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SAF…
WE HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY WOULD CUT OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR AND LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF AND WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE RELAY OUT TO GET THEM TURNED OFF. THEY WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS ON OR OFF. REP…
I GOT RECALL ABOUT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR MY MITSUBISHI 2009 LANCER. IT SAID THAT IT APPLIES TO ALL CARS IF EXPOSED FOR LONG TERM TO SNOW MELT WATER AND ANTI-FREEZING AGENTS. IT SAYS IN THE RECALL THAT A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASI…
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRE…
VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO RUST ON CROSS MEMBERS WHIHC IS A RECALL ITEM SR-20-003 FOR LANCERS. CURRENTLY MY WEHICLE IS NOT LISTED AS A PART OF THIS BUT SHOULD BE. SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL SAME YEARS....
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR UPON TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM. MAX MADSEN'S AURORA MITSUBISHI (3990 OGDEN AVE, AURORA, IL 60504) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED T…
HEADLIGHT NOT WORKING. *TR
THE FOLLOWING IS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK ACKNOWLEDGED BY MITSUBISHI AND ADDRESSED BY A SERVICE BULLETIN. THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL OF THE DIPSTICK. (HTTPS://MITSUBISHITECHINFO.COM/DATA/TECH_DOCS/2010/52005696/HTML/520056966.HTM) AFTER DRIVING ON…
I WAS ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE IN MY TOWN AND WAS GOING UP TO THE TOP LEVEL. AS I AM ABOUT TO TURN THE CORNER, I REALIZE I AM GOING A BIT FASTER THAN I THOUGHT. SO I APPLY FULL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHICH DID NOT WORK AS FAST AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. THE TOW TRUCK M…
RUSTED CROSSMEMBER, CONTROL ARMS, BRACES HOLDING THE GAS TANK. SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT THE RUST UNDERNEATH MY CAR (120K MILES CALIFORNIA VEHICLE) RUST MAY HAVE EATEN THROUGH THE METALS UNDERNEATH MY CAR AND IM SCARED TO DRIVE WITH THESE RUST PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY MIGHT FAIL …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 121 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (31 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (30 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (19 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 121 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.