Mitsubishi Lancer Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Mitsubishi Lancer? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mitsubishi Lancer — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Excellent | — | 6 | 1 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 2 | 13 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 1 | 18 | 7 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2014 | Excellent | — | 9 | — | — | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2013Best | Excellent | — | 4 | — | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2012 | Good | 1 | 16 | 3 | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2011 | Good | 3 | 29 | 3 | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | 6 | 23 | 1 | 2 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2009 | Caution | 8 | 46 | 8 | 7 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2008 | Caution | 5 | 67 | 5 | 4 | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2007 | Excellent | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2006 | Good | 2 | 20 | 4 | 3 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2005 | Good | 2 | 10 | 1 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2004 | Caution | 4 | 48 | 6 | 2 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2003 | Avoid | 5 | 108 | 8 | 11 | — | Visibility | Full report → |
| 2002Worst | Avoid | 4 | 91 | 15 | 14 | 3 | Visibility | Full report → |
16 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Based on 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Lancer Years to Avoid
Best Lancer Years to Buy
Mitsubishi Lancer Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability
What year Lancer has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 91 complaints and 4 safety recalls. See the full 2002 report for specific defects.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has accumulated 510 owner-filed complaints and 44 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 3 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2013 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Lancer.
What are the most common Lancer problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (74 reports), Visibility (63 reports), Air Bags (52 reports), Suspension (38 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Lancer has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Lancer VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Mitsubishi Lancer VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily