Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy

Q: What year Lancer should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer has the most documented problems with a problem score of 146 — driven by 4 recalls, 91 complaints, and 3 reported deaths.

Q: What is the best year Lancer to buy?

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is the best-scoring year in our analysis with a problem score of only 4, meaning 0 recalls and 4 complaints on record.

Q: Which Lancer has the fewest problems?

The 2013, 2007, 2017 model years have the fewest reported problems in the NHTSA database. Always verify a specific vehicle's history with a VIN report before purchasing.

Every Mitsubishi Lancer model year (2002–2017) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Years Tracked

Total Recalls

510

Total Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2002

4 recalls · 91 complaints

14 reported injuries

3 reported deaths

Top issue: VISIBILITY

Problem score: 146

#2 WORST

2003

5 recalls · 108 complaints

11 reported injuries

Top issue: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Problem score: 145

#3 WORST

2008

5 recalls · 67 complaints

4 reported injuries

Top issue: SUSPENSION

Problem score: 90

Best Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2013

0 recalls · 4 complaints

Main area: AIR BAGS

Problem score: 4

#2 BEST

2007

1 recall · 2 complaints

Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Problem score: 5

#3 BEST

2017

0 recalls · 6 complaints

Main area: AIR BAGS

Problem score: 6

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	2	13	—	—	19	Good
2015	1	18	3	—	27	Good
2014	0	9	—	—	9	Excellent
2013	0	4	—	—	4	Excellent
2012	1	16	—	—	19	Good
2011	3	29	—	—	38	Good
2010	6	23	2	—	45	Good
2009	8	46	7	—	84	Caution
2008	5	67	4	—	90	Caution
2007	1	2	—	—	5	Excellent
2006	2	20	3	—	32	Good
2005	2	10	—	—	16	Good
2004	4	48	2	—	64	Caution
2003	5	108	11	—	145	Avoid
2002	4	91	14	3	146	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: 2013

Mid-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 Caution

Older 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 4 recalls, 91 owner complaints, and 3 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 146 — 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, 2007, 2017 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

Reliability Score

Overall reliability rating and score breakdown for the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Common Problems

Full breakdown of every reported defect for the Mitsubishi Lancer.

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 →