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 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has the most documented problems with a problem score of 356 — driven primarily by 6 recalls, 310 complaints, and issues with POWER TRAIN.

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 5, meaning 0 recalls and 5 complaints on record.

Q: Which Lancer has the fewest problems?

The 2013, 2017, 2007 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 (2003–2017) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.

Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2003

6 recalls · 310 complaints

14 reported injuries

Top issue: POWER TRAIN

Problem score: 356

#2 WORST

2009

8 recalls · 121 complaints

10 reported injuries

Top issue: POWER TRAIN

Problem score: 165

#3 WORST

2008

5 recalls · 91 complaints

6 reported injuries

Top issue: ENGINE

Problem score: 118

Best Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Buy

#1 BEST

2013

0 recalls · 5 complaints

Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

Problem score: 5

#2 BEST

2017

0 recalls · 6 complaints

Main area: AIR BAGS

Problem score: 6

#3 BEST

2007

3 recalls · 2 complaints

Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Problem score: 11

Found the right year? Verify that specific Lancer with a free VIN report.

Mitsubishi Lancer — Year-by-Year Problem Report

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Problem Score	Verdict
2017	0	6	6	Excellent
2016	2	29	39	Good
2015	1	26	35	Excellent
2014	0	23	27	Excellent
2013	0	5	5	Excellent
2012	1	19	24	Excellent
2011	3	49	60	Good
2010	6	85	111	Good
2009	8	121	165	Caution
2008	5	91	118	Good
2007	3	2	11	Excellent
2006	7	37	64	Good
2005	6	24	46	Good
2004	7	80	109	Good
2003	6	310	356	Avoid

Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.

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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year Lancer should I avoid?+

Avoid the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer if possible. It has 6 recalls, 310 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is POWER TRAIN. The overall problem score is 356 — 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 5. It has only 0 recalls and 5 complaints on record with NHTSA.

Which Lancer has the fewest problems?+

The 2013, 2017, 2007 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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 →