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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2017

Mitsubishi Lancer recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 865 owner complaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer, covering model years 1996 to 2017. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (199), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mitsubishi Lancer VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 15 recall campaigns on file
  • 865 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 18 model years with data (1996–2017)
  • most complaints: 2003 (199 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (159 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V279000 (reported May 18, 2020)
  • 98 complaints reporting a crash (11.3%)
  • 13 complaints reporting a fire (1.5%)
  • 58 complaints reporting an injury (6.7%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Mitsubishi Lancer complaints by model year

18 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 199 of 865, or 23.0%. Next come 2002 (148) and 2009 (98). The fewest are for 2000, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mitsubishi Lancer owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2017Column chart of 865 complaints across 22 model years. The highest is 2003 with 199. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 1 complaint119961997: 0 complaints19971998: 0 complaints19981999: 0 complaints19992000: 1 complaint120002001: 0 complaints20012002: 148 complaints14820022003: 199 complaints19920032004: 80 complaints8020042005: 24 complaints2420052006: 37 complaints3720062007: 2 complaints220072008: 91 complaints9120082009: 98 complaints9820092010: 51 complaints5120102011: 34 complaints3420112012: 19 complaints1920122013: 5 complaints520132014: 16 complaints1620142015: 23 complaints2320152016: 30 complaints3020162017: 6 complaints62017
Show the figures for all 18 model years
Mitsubishi Lancer complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mitsubishi Lancer complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199610000
200010000
2002148321172
200319913190
2004807340
2005243020
2006375020
200720000
2008918250
20099811380
2010515120
2011341010
2012193010
201350000
2014163220
2015235030
2016301020
201761000
All model years8659813582

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mitsubishi Lancer components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 159 complaints (18.4% of all 865), followed by Visibility (127) and Air Bags (112).

Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train15918.4%
Visibility12714.7%
Air Bags11212.9%
Engine789.0%
Suspension789.0%
Electrical System748.6%
Structure606.9%
Unknown or Other596.8%
Engine and Engine Cooling546.2%
Vehicle Speed Control455.2%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic435.0%
Steering435.0%
Exterior Lighting323.7%
Equipment263.0%
Visibility/Wiper232.7%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

15 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Lancer, newest first. The 15 campaigns cover model years 2002 to 2016. The 2009 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 15 recall campaigns
Mitsubishi Lancer recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2002: 2 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 4 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 4 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 5 campaigns2009: 8 campaigns
2010: 6 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 1 campaign2013: no campaigns2014: no campaigns2015: 1 campaign2016: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V279000

    Reported

    Structure › Frame and Members; Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model years 2008–2010

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

    Consequence:
    A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 18V220000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2004–2006

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 18V071000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2008–2010

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.

    Consequence:
    If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V069000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys

    Model years 2009–2012

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V609000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

    Model years 2015–2016

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

    Consequence:
    If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 17V569000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2004–2006

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-321.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 16V563000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM); Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
    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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V458000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model years 2002–2007

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

    Consequence:
    A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 16V334000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2007

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 15V233000

    Reported

    Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System › Fan/Motor

    Model years 2009–2011

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

    Consequence:
    Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Show 5 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V232000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model years 2009–2010

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

    Consequence:
    Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V562000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys

    Model years 2008–2011

    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. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

    Consequence:
    If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 09V435000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2008–2009

    Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer and lancer evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and District of Columbia. In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road may cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors.

    Consequence:
    This coating over time may cause corrosion of the sensor. In the event of a vehicle crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit may cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags which could result in driver or passenger injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 27, 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 09V077000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Air › Supply › Check Valve

    Model years 2008–2009

    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. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist.

    Consequence:
    This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V428000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model years 2002–2004

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' The bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during March or April 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during April or May 2005. Owners should contact Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mitsubishi Lancer questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer have?

NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mitsubishi Lancer, covering model years 1996 to 2017. The most recent, 20V279000, was reported on May 18, 2020 and is filed under “Structure”. The 2009 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Mitsubishi Lancer model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 199 of the 865 complaints in NHTSA’s file (23.0%). The next are 2002 (148) and 2009 (98). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mitsubishi Lancer complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 159 complaints, or 18.4% of all 865. Visibility (127) and Air Bags (112) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mitsubishi Lancer?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mitsubishi dealer.

How many Mitsubishi Lancer complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 865 complaints, 98 report a crash, 13 a fire, 58 at least one injury and 2 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mitsubishi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mitsubishi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mitsubishi VIN decoder with every Mitsubishi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mitsubishi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.