Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mitsubishi Lancer model year (2002–2017) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 91 complaints
14 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: VISIBILITY
Problem score: 143
3 recalls · 108 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Problem score: 139
4 recalls · 67 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 87
Best Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Buy
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 4
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 8
Found the right year? Verify that specific Lancer with a free VIN report.
Mitsubishi Lancer — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 16 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 18 | 3 | — | 24 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 9 | — | — | 9 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 19 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 29 | — | — | 35 | Good |
| 2010 | 4 | 23 | 2 | — | 39 | Good |
| 2009 | 6 | 46 | 7 | — | 78 | Caution |
| 2008 | 4 | 67 | 4 | — | 87 | Caution |
| 2007 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2006 | 3 | 20 | 3 | — | 35 | Good |
| 2005 | 3 | 10 | — | — | 19 | Good |
| 2004 | 4 | 48 | 2 | — | 64 | Caution |
| 2003 | 3 | 108 | 11 | — | 139 | Avoid |
| 2002 | 3 | 91 | 14 | 3 | 143 | Avoid |
All 16 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mitsubishi Lancer Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Lancer units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Lancer models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Lancer should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer if possible. It has 3 recalls, 91 owner complaints, and 3 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 143 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Lancer to buy?+
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 4. It has only 0 recalls and 4 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Lancer has the fewest problems?+
The 2013, 2017, 2007 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mitsubishi Lancer Research
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Lancer VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →