Mitsubishi Lancer problems
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors since 1973.
The Lancer has been marketed as the Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and has been sold as the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis in Japan since 2007. It has also been sold as Mitsubishi Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift than the Galant Fortis. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.
Between its introduction in 1973 and 2008, over six million units were sold. There have been ten generations of Lancers.
Mitsubishi ended production of the Lancer in August 2017 worldwide, with the exception of Taiwan and China. An extensive facelift was given to the car by Pininfarina's Chinese offices.
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Mitsubishi Lancer model years
Common Mitsubishi Lancer problems
The Mitsubishi Lancer, a well-known nameplate from the Japanese automaker, has been a common sight on roads since its debut in 1973. Although production ceased in the US in 2017, it remains a popular choice in the used car market. While generally reliable, certain model years and issues have been reported by owners.
The 2008 Lancer is considered a well-designed vehicle, but many units were recalled for subframe rot, one of the worst problems that could affect a Lancer. The subframe, a suspension part that holds the engine and front wheels, can develop cracks or holes due to corrosion, especially in winter states where road salt is used for deicing. This can lead to the subframe falling apart without warning, posing a severe safety risk. Mitsubishi recalled cars from the 2002-2008 model years with the faulty subframe.
The 2011 Lancer has faced significant complaints, with some owners reporting that their tail lights caught fire due to electrical issues. The affected vehicles also started up by themselves before the lights ignited, indicating a potential electrical fault. Other lighting problems include cracked fog lights in some 2013 models and malfunctioning headlights in some 2005 units.
The 2015 Lancer has reported issues with the rear wheels abrading themselves against the wheel wells if the back seat is heavily loaded. Some owners have also heard knocking noises from the rear suspension and experienced vibrations from the right side of their vehicle.
In addition to these specific model year issues, Mitsubishi Lancers can experience slow fan speed and ventilation loss, steering pulling problems, brake failure, engine stalling, check engine light and 'slow down' warning, oil leaks, starting problems, and air conditioning failure.
Slow fan speed and ventilation loss are often caused by faults in the blower motor or the resistor that controls its speed. When the blower motor malfunctions or the resistor fails, the fan may spin at a reduced speed or stop working altogether, resulting in inadequate airflow and poor ventilation inside the cabin. Steering pulling can indicate suspension or wheel alignment issues, while brake failure may be due to a defective brake booster vacuum check valve. Engine stalling can be caused by a faulty MAP sensor or a clogged throttle body. Check engine light and 'slow down' warnings are often due to the transmission control module (TCM) overheating. Oil leaks can occur due to issues with the oil cooler hose or the towing hook. Starting problems in the current version of the Lancer are due to a software issue, and air conditioning failure can be resolved by re-gassing the system.
Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and changes, can help prevent automatic gearbox problems and ensure the continued smooth operation of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Rust issues, particularly in certain models or those imported from regions with different road salt standards, can pose significant concerns for vehicle owners. Regular inspections of the vehicle's underside and preventive measures such as applying rust inhibitors or protective coatings can help mitigate the risk of rust formation.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Lancer years
We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Lancer cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mitsubishi Lancer model years:
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2003
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2002
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2009
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2008
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2010
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Lancer model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Lancer years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mitsubishi Lancer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Lancer , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Lancer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Lancer model years
A total of 102 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Lancer model years
There were a total of 15 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Lancer model years
There were a total of 74 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Lancer model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1057 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Lancer . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mitsubishi Lancer 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: JA32U2FU3GU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 107k miles on it and is a pre-owned. No information was given regarding this issue having happened or if it was ever repaired based on the recall in 2016 but shows as not having any unrepaired recalls when searching the VIN in the search tool. Cannot afford a new transmission not sure what to do.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: JA32U2FU6GU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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. Have had the fluid and gasket replaced but did not remedy the problem. This is very dangerous to drive, especially when crossing roads with loss of power and very delayed acceleration and RPMs jumping to the point of wheels spinning out.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-28
- VIN: JA3AU86U38U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that after a while the system would erase any safety information used to track mileage and only show the GPS feature on the digital screen with information from 2004. The contact stated he used the digital screen for the safety features. Upon further inspection, the battery would be drained at an abnormal rate while using the Bluetooth features, and the Bluetooth would not work outside of the local dealer parking lot. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the digital screen and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: JA32V2FW2EU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: JA32V2FW2GU
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 Mitsubishi has had recalls on many different previous years, such as 2005, 2010 and many online reports of 2014 with the same problem.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-16
- VIN: JA32U2FU8FU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Needs a new motor. I know other 2015 Mitsubishi lancers were recalled for the same reason and this one should be also.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
- VIN: JA32U2FU4HU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA32U2FU9CU
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: The front subframe(cross member) blew out, due to excessive corrosion. Causing the control arm to dismount as well as separation of the CV axle from the transmission, while traveling down the road losing complete steer of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no warning signs of there being an issue. I've recently done some research and gathered information regarding models from 08-10 Mitsubishi lancers having the exact same issue. I contacted my dealer about the issue and they stated there are no current recalls on my year vehicle. Although they also started that the part number on my subframe is the same part number that failed on the 09-10 models. There should be a recall on 2012 Mitsubishi lancer subframe(front cross member) I hope this issue is resolved! I was fortunate to not have been injured! My vehicle has not currently been inspected after the accident because I had it towed back to my house after the accident because I was unsure what to do about the situation. The vehicle is available to be towed to be inspected if need be. A police officer did pass me and checked to make sure I was alright while I was stranded in the middle of the road while waiting for a tow truck.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-11
- VIN: JA32V2FW0HU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-12
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-18
- VIN: JA3AU86U18U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: We had car at a car dealer and the manufacturer declined doing the recall on the car for corrison on the front crossmember, telling us due to car has a total loss record on Carfax. The vehicle total loss record was for a accident that didn't effect that part of the car that's under recall, it was due to vehicle repairs were more then what car was worth. The piece I think they call it crossmember has rust holes through it and is about to come apart at the rusted holes on the part. We buy the car JA3AU86U18U016308 in 2022 for our daughter to drive to college. Just finding out when we took it into the car place to perform this recall they won't do the recall because of Mitsubishi. I filled this out for my dad, he bought car for me.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-25
- VIN: JA32U2FU8EU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-24
- VIN: JA3AU86W09U
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: 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 nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
Mitsubishi Lancer 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-12
- VIN: JA32W7FV1FU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was working on my 2015 Mitsubishi this weekend when i noticed how bad the rear subframe is rusted away. It actually has a crack along it from rusting. I do know there was a recall on the from crossmember for the same exact reason. If that were to break it could be fatal on a highway. I am currently trying to figure out what to do now since it is very unsafe.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-03
- VIN: JA32U2FU3AU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While driving the car we began hearing a rattling noise. We took it to the dealer to get it checked. They informed us that the control member was beginning to rust out causing the control arms to become loose. This is the exact problem related to a recall in other states for this car.
Mitsubishi Lancer 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-02
- VIN: JA3AU86W49U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V232000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Latest 5 recalls Mitsubishi Lancer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 59 recalls for different components of the Mitsubishi Lancer.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer 2008
- Report Received Date: 2020-05-18
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer 2009
- Report Received Date: 2020-05-18
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer 2010
- Report Received Date: 2020-05-18
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer 2006
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-05
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
- Model: Mitsubishi Lancer 2005
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-05
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
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