Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Reliable?

Q: Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The Mitsubishi Lancer scores 88/100 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 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer scored highest with a reliability score of 98/100. 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 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.

88/100

Excellent

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

231

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

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	—	—	97	Excellent
2016	2	13	—	—	90	Excellent
2015	1	18	3	—	90	Excellent
2014	0	9	—	—	96	Excellent
2013	0	4	—	—	98	Excellent
2012	1	16	—	—	93	Excellent
2011	2	29	—	—	88	Excellent
2010	5	23	2	—	81	Excellent
2009	7	46	7	—	72	Good
2008	4	67	4	—	79	Good

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

How the Lancer Compares to Similar Vehicles

Mitsubishi Lancer88/100

Sedan Category Average72/100

The Lancer scores 16 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 231 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?+

The Mitsubishi Lancer scores 88/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 22 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 98/100 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

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 →