2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 29 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 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. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
12.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer has 29 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 29
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Unintended Acceleration
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Unintended Acceleration, 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2016 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for signs of unintended acceleration issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for signs of unintended acceleration issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 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
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, the data suggests that transmission and drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern, accounting for the majority of complaints. Other notable areas include unintended acceleration and electrical faults. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission and drivetrain complaints dominate the dataset, with 20 out of 29 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration and electrical faults each account for 4 complaints.
- There is 1 crash-related complaint among the total.
- The vehicle has 2 recalls associated with it.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most common complaint.
- Unintended acceleration is a recurring theme.
- Electrical faults appear in a notable number of complaints.
All 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
It’s throwing a P084A code and it feels like the transmission is about to let loose. I bought the car with 30,000 on it in 2016 and it has a hair over 136,000 and ever since I’ve had it it’s always had this transmission lag jerk in it. Very scuttle but you can feel it. Then all o…
Recently the transmission has started to shudder when first driving from a stop. It only happens under low acceleration. If you push the accelerator pedel firmly it will not shudder. Wondering if this is a recall about to happen? It started on or about 4/2/2025 but is continuing …
The car is bucking hi low hi low and then the service transmission light is coming on. We brought the car in a couple of weeks ago and I thought this was suppose to he fixed. It is alot worse now
Loss of power on acceleration, rpms going up and down, hesitation in acceleration, going into limp mode won't accelerate over 25-40mph pulled code P084A shop believes it needs a complete replacement based on their computer systems repair procedures guidelines. Car has just over…
Purchased the vehicle with only 59K miles in May 2024. Transmission immediately started acting up, hesitating, jumping RPMs, and delayed acceleration and loss of power. Service Transmission light came on once but after restarting the light turned off, but still has the issues. Ha…
I've had the vehicle for 7 years and after inspection performed by the dealer, there is so much subframe rot that my car will not pass the next inspection due in April. I've contacted Mitsubishi and they said there is nothing they can do as there isn't any recall. This model of…
I purchased this car in 2016 brand new from the dealer. Have kept up with its maintenance but in the past couple of months, the car is not taking off. What I mean by that is that the transmission slips and won't allow the car to gain speed there is a delay in the car accelerating…
CVT transmission will not catch gears as it keeps slipping. Leaves it in limp mode. Unable to accelerate beyond 25MPH. CVT fluid/ filter Service intervals have been correct as well as a fresh J4 CVT fluid/filter service at dealership. This had occurred at 103,XXX miles. Wildly, I…
2016 SE 2.4L AWC. Purchased car in February 2022 at 66k miles. In December of 2022 at 78k miles, car lost majority power while traveling at 40 MPH, threw 'Tranmission Servie Required' warning light. Drove 3 blocks home, parked for 2 hours. Turned car on and drove normally without…
I started to experience hesitation in the cars power and shifting “gears” in the cvt, it started to feel very rough and the rpm would jump up and down. The owner of the dealership tried to tell me it was normal. I knew something was wrong. I left the dealership and not even kiddi…
Vehicle accelerates by it self
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving down his driveway at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal popping sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact engaged the parking brake. The vehicle was taken to an indepe…
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the RPM increased from 2,000 to 5,000. Additionally, speedometer became inoperable, he brake was not working as designed, and the Service Transmission message was d…
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated he was not sure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. The vehicl…
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. Aft…
It I not wanting to go or like ir catch gears
Car has 76,470 miles. Took to dealership due to loss of power and jerking hard during takeoffs and said that it needed new transmission. Dealership looked at it said it had internal failure codes for transmission. When doing research there was a recall in 2016 for this specific c…
I was driving on the way home, my car started to skip and jerking. Went to Mitsubishi and told me I needed a whole new transmission replacement on a 2016 Lancer with only 81,000 miles on it. It seemed to never catch up to speed smoothly. Which I was terrified I was going to wreck…
Our 2016 lancer has suddenly started hesitating/ taking seconds to shift from park to reverse/drive. Also while driving vehicle its rpms fluctuate causing a shudder and surge in power or acceleration. This is a very alarming problem as it puts mine and my kids safety as it hesita…
AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION BEGAN FAILING AT 60,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 30K MILES, 55K MILES, 80K, AND 98,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AT 98,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF POCKET. PLE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. 2 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.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 29 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (4 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 29 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY. 2 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
The 2016 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 2016 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.