Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My ABS and asc lights have been on for a while. Took it to a mechanic and was told it wasnt a problem, just a faulty electrical system. One day, I was coming off an exit ramp trying to brake so I could turn but my brakes wouldnt engage so I slam on my brake and they locked up and my car slid and crashed into a median. Tired to steer away but it wouldnt turn.
My complaint is on the anti lock brake pump/motor on 2010 Mitsubishi lancers. Iv read alot and talked to alot of people about this issue where at anytime the car ends up having a low or bad battery, and or any other issues causing lower then normal voltage. It sends a code to the ABS module causing it to fail. Making your ABS and engine light come on the dash. With that failure it stores the code and even after the electrical problems are fix you still can not clear the ABS/brake code. The only fix to get ride of the lights and to get your ABS pump/motor working again is to replace it with a brand new unit costing almost $3,000 dollars to Mitsubishi. Hearing from other people with this issue, it is a defect from Mitsubishi. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving down a hill at 15 MPH, the brakes failed to operate as needed upon depression as the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact had to pump his brakes repeatedly in an effort to stop the vehicle; he also applied the emergency brake for assistance before hitting a tree stump. The contact suffered a tweak in his right shoulder but did not seek medical attention. A police report was not needed and the airbags did not deploy due to low impact. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with defective brake pads and rotors. …
I was on the 4th floor of a parking garage in my town and was going up to the top level. As I am about to turn the corner, I realize I am going a bit faster than I thought. So I apply full pressure to the brakes which did not work as fast as they were supposed to. The tow truck man later told me that I was going around 20 to 30 MPH at time of impact. When I hit the pillar in front of me, the airbag didn't deploy and my seatbelt did not tighten as they were supposed to. This meant that my whole body snapped forward and impacted collarbone first into the steering wheel. After this incident, my whole left side felt numb and I was left with a swollen collarbone and contusions from the impact.
The airbags light came on after I bought the car and I am afraid of I get in an accident they will not deploy my mechanic said I would have to go to a car dealership about it... The brakes also fail if I try to stop abruptly they go to the floor and do not stop the vehicle... The brakes are the worst when I am driving slowly and try to come to a stop. I have taken my car to the dealership and was told that my brakes are in good condition and the mechanic didn't understand why the car was having issues stopping.
My son was attempting to stop at a red light when the brakes started to pulse uncontrollably, and the brake pedal when down to the floor. Also the ABS light lit up. Unfortunately he could not stop in time and he hit the car in front of him. Three weeks later after the car was repaired, I went to go start the car and the car would not go into gear, the instrument panel lit up and some of my electric stop working. I had the car towed to the dealer. After two days of diagnostics they said there was a problem with a wiring harness due to the accident. I tried to explain to the dealer that the ABS was the reason we had the accident in the first place and that was when the electrical problem started. There was a bill for $423 that we had to pay because the dealer insisted the problem was due to the accident. I will be in touch with Mitsubishi to see if this can be rectified. …
Removed foot from accelerator to begin braking for yellow light while driving approx. 25 MPH, as soon as I applied the brakes, the car surged forward as if at full throttle and did not stop accelerating until the impact from the collision. The sudden, unexpected acceleration happened two times before, each time right after I lifted my foot from the accelerator to begin braking. The accelerator had not (not) been fully depressed prior to the unexpected acceleration in any of the above incidents. Attempt to brake before collision was unsuccessful;I had recently replaced front brake pads again (after 5,000 miles) because right front brake caliper was not releasing, right pads
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving various speeds and attempting to come to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated independently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The front driver's side brake pad and rotor were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, air › Supply › Check valve
Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve May cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners May contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Lancer years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (18), 2009 (16), 2008 (9), 2010 (7) and 2003 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Lancer brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-077 (check valve, Mar 10, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Lancer brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles; 66% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › pads (7).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.