Mitsubishi Lancer sportback problems

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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.

photo of Mitsubishi Lancer sportback car production

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Mitsubishi Lancer sportback model years

mitsubishi lancer sportback 2013 photo
Lancer sportback 2013
Mitsubishi

3

0

9

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi lancer sportback 2010 photo
Lancer sportback 2010
Mitsubishi

0

6

9

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi lancer sportback 2004 photo
Lancer sportback 2004
Mitsubishi

8

0

21

4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Mitsubishi Lancer sportback problems

Based on the complaints from owners of Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback cars, several common problems have been identified:

  1. Engine Problems:
    • 1.5-liter 4A91 Engine: Owners have reported issues with this engine, which may include performance issues, unusual noises, or stalling.
    • 1.8-liter 4B10 Engine: Problems with this engine could manifest as poor acceleration, rough idling, or decreased fuel efficiency.
    • 2.0-liter 4B11 Engine: Complaints related to this engine might involve overheating, oil leaks, or loss of power.
    • 1.8-liter 4N13 Diesel Engine: Owners have experienced issues like hard starting, excessive smoke from the exhaust, or lack of power.
    • 2.0-liter 4N14 Diesel Engine: Common problems with this engine may include turbocharger failures, rough running, or reduced fuel economy.
  2. Transmission Problems:
    • Manual Transmission: Complaints about the manual transmission could include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, or clutch problems.
    • CVT Transmission: Issues with the CVT transmission may lead to slipping gears, delayed acceleration, or jerking movements.
  3. Electrical Problems:
    • Battery and Alternator: Owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, alternator failures, or electrical system malfunctions.
    • Starter Motor: Problems with the starter motor could result in difficulty starting the car, clicking sounds, or complete failure.
    • Electrical System Malfunctions: Complaints related to the electrical system may involve issues with lights, power windows, or dashboard warning lights.
  4. Suspension and Steering Problems:
    • Front Suspension: Common issues with the front suspension could include noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, or a bumpy ride.
    • Rear Suspension: Problems with the rear suspension may manifest as a sagging rear end, bouncing while driving, or poor handling.
    • Steering Problems: Complaints related to steering could involve vibrations in the steering wheel, pulling to one side, or difficulty steering.
  5. Other Common Issues:
    • Air Conditioning System: Owners have reported problems with the air conditioning not cooling effectively, strange odors, or unusual noises.
    • Brakes and Brake System: Issues with the brakes could include squeaking or grinding noises, reduced braking performance, or brake pedal pulsation.
    • Fuel System Problems: Complaints about the fuel system may involve fuel leaks, poor fuel economy, or difficulty starting the car.

These common problems with Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback cars highlight various areas where owners have experienced issues, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

Mitsubishi Lancer sportback

What problems does the Mitsubishi Lancer have?

Slow fan speed and ventilation loss in Mitsubishi Lancers can indicate underlying issues with the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. These problems are commonly attributed to faults in the blower motor or the resistor that controls its speed.

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer a reliable car?

The Mitsubishi Lancer is fairly reliable. RepairPal gave it a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score, and many owners have driven their Lancers for more than 100,000 miles.

What are common faults with Mitsubishi?

  • 1) Transmission Issues. Mitsubishi transmission issues have been a cause of concern for many owners, leading to frustrations and potentially costly repairs. ...
  • 2) AC Failure. ...
  • 3) DPF Issues. ...
  • 4) Unexpected Breakdowns. ...
  • 6) Underbody Rust.

How many miles is too much for a Mitsubishi Lancer?

The mitsubishi lancer is a durable vehicle that is designed to last almost 200,000 miles.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Lancer sportback years

We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Lancer sportback cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Mitsubishi Lancer sportback model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Lancer sportback model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Lancer sportback years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mitsubishi Lancer sportback car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Lancer sportback , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Lancer sportback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Lancer sportback . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Lancer sportback vehicles.

List of Mitsubishi Lancer sportback complaints

Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-03-17
  • Date Complaint: 2022-03-18
  • VIN: JA32X2HU9DU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Sunroof assembly detached cables broke while driving . The sunroof could have case an accident with the right vibration and wind intake while stuck open and couldn't shut. We took ot to mitsubishi dealer in Augusta maine the next morning since the incident happened at 840pm on thursday 3/17/22 in Woolwich We were hopping for servicing to see if it could be reattached and cables fixes jad the dealer disable the moonroof and closed the sunroof. We have an 08 lancer that had the recall and fixed the year prior now our 2013 actually has it happen and currently had no recall . The dealer as of Friday approximately at 340 told us the whole assembly has to be replaced. Way to expensive for use to replace at the moment we were quoted $1740
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2020-09-01
  • VIN: JA32X2HUXDU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VEHICLE HESITATES DURING ACCELERATION, CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, HESITATION IS EXTREMELY SEVERE AT MUCH LOWER SPEEDS, OFTEN THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD AT A SEVERE RATE BECAUSE THE ACCELERATOR WILL BE ALMOST TO THE FLOOR IN AN ATTEMPT TO OVERCOME THE HESITATION, VEHICLE DOES THIS EVERY TIME, IT ISN'T AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I'VE ALREADY HAD A MECHANIC EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION "SHIFTING VERY FUNNY" DURING A TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE DONE A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, THIS ISSUE EXISTS.
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-05-19
  • Date Complaint: 2018-05-21
  • VIN: JA32V2FW8DU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 3RD TIME MY SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS OFF WHILE DRIVING LOSE POWER TO EVERYTHING, POWER STEERING BATTERY,EVERYTHING STOPS WORKING.
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2017-11-24
  • VIN: 14U043603
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TAKATA RECALL - I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HICKORY MITSUBISHI IN HICKORY, NC TO GET THE AIRBAG FIXED. I PICKED UP MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON. IT STARTED TO GET DARK ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, SO I TURNED MY LIGHTS ON. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS ON MY CAR. I CAN'T SEE MY ODOMETER, SHIFT COLUMN,ETC. I HAD TO TRAVEL A SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE TO GET THIS REPAIR SINCE THERE IS NO LONGER A MITSUBISHI DEALER WHERE I LIVE. NOW I HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY BACK THERE AND SIT FOR ANOTHER 2.5 HOURS WHILE THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY DID TO MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I'M NOT SURE I WANT THEM TO EVEN TOUCH MY CAR AGAIN.
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-02-20
  • Date Complaint: 2017-02-20
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: AFTER CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB ON THE DASHBOARD WAS STUCK AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN FROM COLD TO WARM. WHEN TURNING THE KNOB, THE KNOB BROKE EXPOSING ELECTRICAL PANELING. THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE AND WAS WOULD ONLY BLOW COLD AIR WITH THE OUTSIDE BEING BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THIS HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY, BUT IF HAPPENED WHILE MOVING COULD HAVE CREATED AN UNSAFE DISTRACTION LEADING TO A DANGEROUS INCIDENT.
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2016-05-04
  • Date Complaint: 2016-10-31
  • VIN: JA3AD29F94U
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: ETACS FAILURE. LOSS OF ABILITY TO SIGNAL TURNS, LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION BELOW HIGHEST SETTING, LOSS OF REAR WIPER, LOSS OF DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT, LOSS OF HIGH BEAMS, LOSS OF WIPER FLUID CONTROL. LOSS OF FUNCTION CAME ON SUDDENLY, MIS SPRING 2016 RETURNED INTERMITTENTLY OVER SUMMER, THEN FAILED COMPLETELY BEGINNING OF OCTOBER. A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE HAS BEEN RELEASED FOR MY VEHICLE TYPE OF A LATER YEAR., BUT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-12-20
  • Date Complaint: 2014-12-31
  • VIN: JA3AD69F54U
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE FAN CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND WAS FIXED ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE HOWEVER, SINCE THAT TIME FAN HAS REPEATEDLY MALFUNCTIONED IN TERMS OF IT RUNNING DURING THE ENTIRE TIME THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION IN ADDITION TO IT STAYING ON EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. *JS
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-07-20
  • Date Complaint: 2012-01-12
  • VIN: JA3AD29F94U
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: MY HEAT AND COOLING CONTROL STICKS AND IT HARD TO TURN THE KNOB FROM COLD TO HEAT AND HEAT TO COLD. THE PIECE FINALLY BROKE 3 ON 11/12/11. THE UNIT NOW HAS TO BE CHANGED UNDER THE DASHBOARD WHICH I AM UNABLE TO DO WHILE DRIVING, WHEN MY WINDOWS ARE FOGGY I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THEM BEEN FOGGY IF IT IS NOT IN THE RIGHT POSITION. IT APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MITIS. SINCE I SEE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS ONLINE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2009-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2011-06-03
  • VIN: JA3AD29F74U
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT ADVISED THAT THE FLY-BY-WIRE WOULD NEED REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-04
  • Date Complaint: 2010-12-20
  • VIN: JA3AD29FX4U
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: I OWN A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE HEATER AND COOLING CONTROL KNOB FOR INTERIOR HEATING AND COOLING WILL NOT CHANGE OVER FROM AIR CONDITIONING TO HEAT. IN THE AREA THAT I LIVE IT IS VERY COLD IN THE WINTER MONTHS ( 20 - 30 DEGREES). ACCORDING TO RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ON THIS ISSUE IT IS S KNOWN ISSUE AT MITSUBISHI. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE HEATING SYSTEM NOT WORKING TO DEFROST MY WINDSHIELD WHEN NEEDED AND NO HEAT. IF MITSUBISHI KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE THEN WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE LOCATED MANY COMPLAINTS WITH THIS AND IT IS ON NEWER MODELS AS WELL. SO NEW PRODUCTS ARE COMING OUT WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE MORE VEHICLES ARE PRODUCED AND THE USED ONE NEED TO BE FIXED SO THAT OWNERS DO NOT RUN INTO A HAZARDOUS CONDITION THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED. *TR
Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2004
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2009-03-06
  • VIN: JA3AD29FX4U
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE FAN CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND RECALLED ON OTHER VARIOUS MITSUBISHI MODELS INCLUDING OUTLANDER AND LANCER. HOWEVER, SINCE MY MODEL, THE LANCER SPORTBACK WAS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL, MITSUBISHI REFUSES TO REPAIR/REPLACE IT. *TR

Latest 5 recalls Mitsubishi Lancer sportback

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the Mitsubishi Lancer sportback.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 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 sportback 2010
  • Report Received Date: 2018-01-26
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
  • Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2010
  • Report Received Date: 2018-01-26
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
  • Consequence: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2010
  • Report Received Date: 2015-04-20
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
  • Consequence: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Lancer sportback 2010
  • Report Received Date: 2015-04-20
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
  • Consequence: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

Latest negative Mitsubishi Lancer sportback car reviews

  1. Wayne Quigley 2024-11-05

    Vehicle year: 2013

    The car looks great, but it bounces all over the road and it's difficult to keep it going straight. I'm taking it to the dealer to see if they can help.

  2. Conrad Bogan 2024-08-06

    Vehicle year: 2010

    The ride quality could be improved as it feels uncomfortable on bumpy roads and the road noise is noticeable. Additionally, the rear view is obstructed by the low hatchback and headrests, which can make parking and backing up difficult. The stability control could also be improved. However, the car has good fuel economy and the dashboard, while made of plastic, is functional. Overall, there is room for improvement but the car has some positive features as well.

  3. Crawford Heathcote 2024-07-29

    Vehicle year: 2013

    The ride quality could be improved as it feels uncomfortable on bumpy roads and the road noise is noticeable. Additionally, the rear view is obstructed by the low hatchback and headrests, which can make parking and backing up difficult. The stability control could also be improved. However, the car has good fuel economy and the dashboard, while made of plastic, is functional. Overall, there is room for improvement but the car has some positive features as well.

  4. Branson Moore 2024-06-07

    Vehicle year: 2010

    The car looks great, but it bounces all over the road and it's difficult to keep it going straight. I'm taking it to the dealer to see if they can help.

  5. Reggie Torp 2024-05-23

    Vehicle year: 2004

    I traded in my '01 Focus ZX3 for this car, which was a leftover '04 that the dealer was selling for $4,000 under sticker. I consider it one of the best bargains I've ever gotten. Although the gas mileage could be better and some interior pieces, such as the A/C controls, feel cheap, I'm still glad I chose this car over a Focus wagon. It's quite rare to spot another Sportback since there are only about 3,000 of these cars in the US. However, I do have concerns about the long-term reliability and durability of Mitsubishis, as they seem to be hit or miss in that department.

Latest positive Mitsubishi Lancer sportback car reviews

  1. Drake Eichmann 2024-11-07

    Vehicle year: 2004

    Hi there! In my first review of the car (after just purchasing it) I mentioned my concerns about reliability. However, after driving it for 30,000 miles in just 6 months, I'm happy to report that my fears have been unfounded so far! I've only had to make one trip back to the dealer for a minor problem. The fuel mileage is decent, but the small fuel tank can be a bit of a pain. I get about 25-27 mpg in the mix of driving I do (usually about 40% city / 60% highway). The paint is a bit cheap though, and my car already has lots of swirls and scratches, even though I generally don't use automatic car washes. As was also mentioned, road noise on the highway above 65 mph in this car can be a bit obnoxious. The seats are OK, but they weren't really designed for long drives. One thing I've noticed is that it seems to run better on high octane fuel. Thanks for reading!

  2. Westley Smitham 2024-11-03

    Vehicle year: 2004

    This car may not be suitable for everyone, but it is a rare model that is only sold once a year. While some parts for the body and glass may be difficult to find, it is a well-built car overall.

  3. Albert Hermann 2024-11-01

    Vehicle year: 2013

    Looking to replace my 2004 Mazda RX8 was no small task, especially considering I didn't want a dedicated sports car. After trying out a lot of cars, I kept coming back to this one. It may not be the fastest, but the AWD, dual clutch transmission, and overall look really sold me. It's fun to drive, handles well, and doesn't beat you up with an overly stiff ride like most sporty cars. I do regret not opting for the Recaro package, as I have a bad back and the standard seats cause discomfort on long drives (seat upgrade is in the works). I do wish it had a telescoping wheel, as well as a louder turn signal and horn. Overall, it's a great car for the money and I love it!

  4. Quentin VonRueden 2024-10-16

    Vehicle year: 2004

    I recently purchased my Lancer Ralliart and I absolutely adore it! The car handles better than any other car I have driven. I love the unique look of the car and the sound of the muffler when I take off from a red light. The smooth and quiet ride I get when I take my Lancer out on the highway is amazing. The 6 speaker stereo system sounds fantastic and there is so much room inside, sometimes I feel like I am driving an SUV or pickup truck. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who enjoys going to the beach, fishing, playing sports, camping, or simply likes to drive a quality car. Mitsubishi did an excellent job with this car, it's a real shame they had to take it off the line. I hope it's brought back soon!

  5. Marlin White 2024-10-13

    Vehicle year: 2004

    You made a great choice purchasing your vehicle back in August 2004! It's impressive how well it has held up in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to plus 40 degrees. The build quality is top-notch and it's great to hear that you've had a positive experience with the dealer's service. Although you experienced a minor issue with the rear bushings and fan door rotary switch, it's fantastic that they were quickly replaced under warranty. The vehicle's winter and summer handling is excellent, although it seems that the Goodyear RSA's don't quite measure up to the Brigestones. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

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