Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 33% | — |
| 2016 | 21 | 70% | 69,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 22% | 33,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 38% | 75,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 40% | 83,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 32% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 18% | 36,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 8% | 33,000 miles |
| 2009 | 14 | 14% | 65,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% | 98,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% | 160,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% | 114,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2003 | 51 | 26% | 11,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 15% | 55,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. After multiple failed attempts to restart the vehicle, the contact towed it to his home where it remained. The contact called the manufacturer on multiple occasions and was initially informed that his vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, no further assistance could be offered because of the prior recall repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
Without any prior warning lights or issues with the car. While i drove to work, about 10-15 miles away or 20 min drive, i came to a stop at a red light and when it turned green the car could not get into 2nd gear and would juts rev mostly in place. First gear didnt really have any pull. After a few seconds it finally took second gear but it jerked the car off causing it to stop very suddenly and thats when the service transmission light came on. I was stuck at the light for at least 5 minutes, can't imagine that happening on the highway. I took the car to the dealership they said they found a code P183D which basically means i need a new transmission. This car has barely 90,000 miles and they are quoting me over $15,000 just for the parts. They privided me with a TSB which list my car as a year and model with known issue but told me the repairs are not covered by the manufacturer.
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. …
I bought my 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer in nov. 2014 at long lewis Ford in florence, al, where I received all regular maintenance and service performances for it. On sept. 15, 2017, I was driving down the road in my 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer and experienced complete engine failure (while in motion), creating a safety hazard. Once the system failed, I could no longer accelerate and could only "coast" to try and find a safe spot to brake. When I opened the hood, the main relay had caught fire, was black, burnt up, and melted on the inside. I couldn't get my car to go in neutral or any systems to work to get it completely off the road, creating another safety hazard, and had to have it towed. A sales tech met me with a new relay that I purchased. …
The ayc pump(AWD pump) keeps saying it's going out and this happens to multiple people. A lot of other owners have the exact same experience. The pump needs to be relocated and replaced at Mitsubishi's cost. It's not fair to the buyers that we were paying for a car that we had to buy 1 $1700+ part and labor. It should be a safety concern because if the pump goes while driving it is a safety hazard. In winter of 2018 was my first year in snow with it. About February whenever the weather would get above 40 degrees, the tarmac light would start to flash signaling the pump is failing.
The front subframe(cross member) blew out, due to excessive corrosion. Causing the control arm to dismount as well as separation of the CV axle from the transmission, while traveling down the road losing complete steer of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no warning signs of there being an issue. I've recently done some research and gathered information regarding models from 08-10 Mitsubishi lancers having the exact same issue. I contacted my dealer about the issue and they stated there are no current recalls on my year vehicle. Although they also started that the part number on my subframe is the same part number that failed on the 09-10 models. There should be a recall on 2012 Mitsubishi lancer subframe(front cross member) I hope this issue is resolved! …
Received vehicle at 10km, after 2 oil changes, at 16000km miliege dropped from 700km on a tank of gas to 300km tank of gas. At 24000km heavy transmission and engine noises occurred. Gears slipping out while accelerating causing rpms to shoot up to 6000-7000 while vehicle not moving. Timing belt and pulleys not working properly causing to much engine noise. Metal grinding and whistling sound coming from under carriage of vehicle. Rear differential and cv joint problem. Reported problem to dealership and techincians each time I go in. Their response is its just tire noise and your vehicle is running smoothly each time. Now at 68,000 km, rear differential is gone, engine barely holding up, suspension on driver side is is lower than passenger side. Wheel bearing noises present. 4x4 awc system isn't working. Vehicle is dragging and is at quarter efficiency. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Remedy: MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Lancer years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (51), 2002 (22), 2016 (21), 2009 (14) and 2008 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Lancer transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-563 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Jul 28, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Lancer transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the clutch assembly (24 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission (24).
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.