Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 17% | 1,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 40% | 116,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 32% | 28,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 32% | 69,000 miles |
| 2010 | 21 | 41% | 93,000 miles |
| 2009 | 27 | 28% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 18% | 110,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% | 47,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% | 7,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 15% | 94,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the RPM increased from 2,000 to 5,000. Additionally, speedometer became inoperable, he brake was not working as designed, and the Service Transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V609000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
2016 SE 2.4L AWC. Purchased car in February 2022 at 66k miles. In December of 2022 at 78k miles, car lost majority power while traveling at 40 MPH, threw 'Tranmission Servie Required' warning light. Drove 3 blocks home, parked for 2 hours. Turned car on and drove normally without lights. Previous event happened x3 before changing transmission fluid in February 2023. From February to May, roughly 500 miles, no codes occured. However, occasional hesitation when accelerating from a stop. Then, in May 2023, while traveling 80 MPH, RPMs shot to 6000, car began to lose power. Pulled to shoulder, turned car off and on, and was able to travel home without issue, another 15 miles.
About 3 weeks ago I notice that the driver seat belt didn't wanted to click to fasten the seat belt. I notice for sometime now that the car sometimes. Kind of stall then you have to step on the gas pedal to proceed and I'm afraid someone will hit me from the back because it doesn't go when it's suppose to also like when you turn it stalls and then you give it gas and it goes then
I purchased my vehicle with 200 miles on it at 700 miles took it in for latches and rattles. Since that hair every 8K mikes it needed a new clutch at 22K miles madter slave failed transmission started to give out at 28K miles. Please revive sawc every 1,000 miles I've owned that car Mitsubishi stated no problems found at this time. But it was very noticeable once driven. I worked for elder mitsushitty and they refused my warranty since I didn't have enough cash in my bank account to cover the cost of a repair if the warty didn't cover it under the warranty for some reason I don't know why they wouldn't of. So I had to repossess this car due to the issues and car max purchased it and mission mitaubishi could not diag it even though carmax took it in for the transmission popping out of 4th gear. I am the only 2015 mitaubishi certified sales associate in austin texas. …
NHTSA safety report 06/2021 - while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the ABS warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. This prompted me to check the alternator where I noticed the loose belt and broken tensioner which I had repaired at my own expense the following day.
Approximately May, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code P0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we're not further issues for about a year until June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated rapidly on its own without warning and there was a loss of power. The contact replaced the battery himself. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (taino motors, carr 8887 km 7.5bo. San anton, carolina, 00986, puerto rico, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the tires needed to be rotated. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18V069000 (engine and engine cooling). Upon contacting the dealer, the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,533. Parts distribution disconnect.
"Takata recall" manufacturer recall numbersr-18-001 NHTSA recall number18v069 recall statusrecall incomplete summary due to repetition of high load operations, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner May crack, causing the drive belt detachment. Safety risk if the drive belt detaches, the alternator will not charge the battery, causing engine stall, and/or the power steering assist will be disabled, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy owners of all affected vehicles will be notified and encouraged to bring their vehicles in to replace the auto tensioner with a countermeasure unit.
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Lancer years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (27), 2002 (22), 2010 (21), 2008 (16) and 2011 (11) model years. Engine complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Lancer engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-069 (belts and associated pulleys, Jan 26, 2018); 14V-562 (belts and associated pulleys, Sep 12, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Lancer engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (6 mentions), followed by the engine (6).
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.