Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Reliable?
2002–2017 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Mitsubishi Lancer? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 94 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 2 | 13 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 18 | 3 | — | 76 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 9 | — | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 96 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 79 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 29 | — | — | 56 | Fair |
| 2010 | 6 | 23 | 2 | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2009 | 8 | 46 | 7 | — | 27 | Poor |
| 2008 | 5 | 67 | 4 | — | 43 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Lancer Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Lancer scores 3 points below the average sedan. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 231 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?+
The Mitsubishi Lancer scores 69/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 26 recall campaigns and 231 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Lancer is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2013 Lancer achieved the highest reliability score of 96/100 with 0 recalls and 4 complaints.
How many miles does a Lancer last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mitsubishi Lancer owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Lancer will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mitsubishi Lancer Research
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Lancer VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →