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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2013

Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 12 owner complaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack, covering model years 2004 to 2013. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (8), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

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

Decode your Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack VIN

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

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 12 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2004–2013)
  • most complaints: 2004 (8 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (5 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V279000 (reported May 18, 2020)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack complaints by model year

3 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 8 of 12, or 66.7%. Next come 2013 (3) and 2010 (1).

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2004–2013Column chart of 12 complaints across 10 model years. The highest is 2004 with 8. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2004: 8 complaints820042005: 0 complaints20052006: 0 complaints20062007: 0 complaints20072008: 0 complaints20082009: 0 complaints20092010: 1 complaint120102011: 0 complaints20112012: 0 complaints20122013: 3 complaints32013
Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200480000
201010000
201330000
All model years120000

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

Most-reported Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack components

top 10 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 5 complaints (41.7% of all 12), followed by Visibility (2) and Air Bags (1). Another 5 complaints are filed under NHTSA’s “Unknown or Other” category.

Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack complaints (top 10)
Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack complaints (top 10)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System541.7%
Unknown or Other541.7%
Visibility216.7%
Air Bags18.3%
Engine and Engine Cooling18.3%
Exterior Lighting18.3%
Power Train18.3%
Structure18.3%
Vehicle Speed Control18.3%
Visibility/Wiper18.3%

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 SportBack recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Lancer SportBack, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2009 to 2012. The 2010 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 6 recall campaigns
Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack recall campaigns covering each model year
2009: 2 campaigns2010: 6 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 1 campaign
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 2009–2010

    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 18V071000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model year 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.

  3. NHTSA campaign 18V069000

    Reported

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

    Model years 2010–2012

    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.

  4. NHTSA campaign 15V233000

    Reported

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

    Model years 2010–2011

    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.

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V232000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model year 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.

  6. NHTSA campaign 14V562000

    Reported

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

    Model years 2009–2011

    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.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. 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 SportBack questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack, covering model years 2004 to 2013. The most recent, 20V279000, was reported on May 18, 2020 and is filed under “Structure”. The 2010 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 8 of the 12 complaints in NHTSA’s file (66.7%). The next are 2013 (3) and 2010 (1). 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 SportBack complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 5 complaints, or 41.7% of all 12. Visibility (2) and Air Bags (1) 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 SportBack?

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 SportBack complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 12 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 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.