2011 Mitsubishi Lancer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 49 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2011 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.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 49 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 49
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for any signs of failure or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 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
Complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with 16 and 12 reports respectively. Electrical faults, steering defects, and other issues appear less frequently. Only one crash-related complaint was recorded, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue, with 16 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 12 complaints, the second highest category.
- Only one crash-related complaint was reported across the 2011 model year.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving the vehicle the headlights will turn off at random intervals. The passenger side rear tail light is out and remains out despite changing the bulb. Water leaks through a gap in the body into the light and the trunk. Headlights need to be reliable in order to ensure …
I got a service needed warning for the electric power steering and I lost all power steering... As it turned out, the rack and pinion was bad because the subframe rotted out where the rack and pinion mounts up and a custom built subframe and rack and pinion had to be installed on…
The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the front crossmember was corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failu…
Routine service at 112 Mitsubishi Dealer/Service Center noted that my front crossbar was severely corroded and “coming apart in chunks”. They noted that this defect is known and was recalled on later model years of my car, but not my 2011. Considering it was recalled already an…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DEFOGGER FAILED TO OPERATE AS AIR STOPPED FLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER, AIR CONDITIONER AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN…
CAR WAS PARKED ON THE PARKING SPOT IN THE EVENING. NEXT MORNING CAR DID NOT START FOR NO REASON. ETAC ECU FAILURE CAUSED A RETURN SIGNAL TO BE BLOCKED ON A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WIRE. ALSO WHAT WAS FOUND LATER AFTER A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WIRE CONNECTIONS CLEAN UP, THAT A COOLIN…
VIBRATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING OVER 60 MPH. PERSIST AFTER CHANGING TIRES, WHEELS, BRAKE PADS AND DISCS. THIS SHAKING MAKES THE CAR UNSTABLE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
I SMELL FUEL IN MY CAR FAIRLY OFTEN, ALSO I HAVE A RECALL ON MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I RAN CODES AND THEY ALL POINT BACK TO AN ISSUE WITH TH COMPUTER. WHEN I'M DRIVING IT WILL JUST START SMELLING LIKE FUEL. I AM USUALLY ON A CITY STREET OR FREEWAY. THE…
THE VEHICLE WAS CHOSEN FROM A WEBSITE CALLED HTTPS://DRIVEYOURDREAM.TRUECAR.COM THERE WAS A SELECT A DEALER PAGE THAT FORWARDED THE PRICE AND PAYMENT PLAN TO THE SELECTED DEALER. THE CAR WAS IN EXTREMELY STRANGE CONDITION MOST LIKELY WAS SITTING A LONG TIME INTO A SOME KIND OF A …
THIS IS REGARDING MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN ST.THOMAS VIRGIN ISLANDS FROM BUDGET RENT A CAR IN 2013. THERE HAS BEEN 3 RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE SINCE THEN I WAS NOT NOTIFIED, ONLY THROUGH RESEARCH I FOUND OUT. I'VE CALLED THE BUDGET DEALER, ESSENTIA…
AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR OR HOLDING IT STEADY AND YOU APPLY THE PEDAL DOWN TO GO FORWARD THERE IS A DELAY AS IF THE TRANSMISSIONS TRYING TO FIND A SPEED TO GO TO. MY MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE ENGINE ALL COMPUTERS SYSTEMS ARE GOOD AND THE ENGINE RUNS FINE H…
"TAKATA RECALL" MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSR-18-001 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER18V069 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY DUE TO REPETITION OF HIGH LOAD OPERATIONS, THE FLANGE OF THE DRIVE BELT AUTOMATIC TENSIONER MAY CRACK, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT DETACHMENT. SAFETY RISK IF TH…
PURCHASED 2011 LANCER IN 2011. IN MARCH 2013 MITSUBISHI ISSUED A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN AND REVISED IT IN JUNE OF 2013. THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND MUST BE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. MITSUBISHI DOES A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE ECM AND RESETS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (TAINO MOTORS, CARR 8887 KM 7.5BO. SAN ANTO…
THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR EASILY AS WELL AS JUMPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD AND 5TH IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING. ALL UPPER GEARS ARE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO. TH…
AFTER FILLING UP ON GASOLINE, MY 4 YEAR OLD MENTIONED THAT SHE SMELLED GAS IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY GOT HOME AND PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND SMELLED IT, TOO. THEN NEXT MORNING, MY GARAGE WAS OVERWHELMED WITH THE FUMES. AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC INSPECT THE CAR, HE FOUND GAS WAS LEAK…
VEHICLE OPERATING AT >3000 RPM CVT AND ENGINE WHINE AND LOSS OF POWER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOT…
HI MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MHE 2011 LANCER WHILE SHE WAS TURNING TOWARD THE RIGHT TO ANOTHER STREET THE WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL TURN A LITTLE THEN LOCKED UP ON HER ALMOST STRUCKING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THAT HAPPEND SHE ALSO STEPED ON HER BRAKES AND DINT ALSO WANYED TO STOP. ALMOST C…
TC-SST REVS UP IN REVERSE AND IN FIRST BEFORE TAKE OFF
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. 3 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.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 49 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (12 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 49 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS. 3 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
The 2011 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 2011 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.