Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Reliable?

Q: Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The Mitsubishi Lancer scores 100/100 on the VinCheckEngine reliability index, which rates as "Excellent" for the 2002–2017 model years. Run a free VIN report at vincheckengine.com for vehicle-specific analysis.

Q: What year Lancer is most reliable?

Among recently analyzed years, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer scored highest with a reliability score of 100/100. Fewer recalls and complaints were reported for that model year.

Q: How many miles does a Lancer last?

With regular maintenance, most Mitsubishi Lancer owners report 150,000–200,000+ miles of reliable service. High-mileage examples frequently appear at auction. Always verify with a VIN history report before purchasing a used Lancer.

2002–2017 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

100/100

Excellent

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

233

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Recall intensity (what drives the score)

0.0 recalls/yr vs. sedan median 1.3/yr

Safety record (separate score)

Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 16 injuries on record

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	—	—	100	Excellent
2016	0	15	—	—	100	Excellent
2015	0	18	3	—	90	Excellent
2014	0	9	—	—	100	Excellent
2013	0	4	—	—	100	Excellent
2012	0	16	—	—	100	Excellent
2011	0	29	—	—	85	Excellent
2010	2	23	2	—	85	Excellent
2009	4	46	7	—	85	Excellent
2008	3	67	4	—	85	Excellent

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the Lancer Compares to Similar Vehicles

Mitsubishi Lancer100/100

Sedan Category Average72/100

The Lancer scores 28 points above the average sedan — a strong result.

Known Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

POWER TRAIN

ENGINE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUSPENSION

STRUCTURE:BODY

AIR BAGS

Based on 233 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?+

The Mitsubishi Lancer scores 100/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 9 recall campaigns and 233 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year Lancer is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2017 Lancer achieved the highest reliability score of 100/100 with 0 recalls and 6 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

Common Problems

Detailed breakdown of every reported defect for the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Years to Avoid

Which Lancer years have the most problems — and which are the best buys.

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 →