Here Are The Mitsubishi Lancer Years To Avoid
We've identified two Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid based on major complaints and recalls. See which ones are considered the worst Lancer years.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a car that has been produced by Mitsubishi Motors in Japan since 1973. In the late 1990s, Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer in the United States and over six million units were sold until it was discontinued. With the exception of Taiwan and China, Mitsubishi stopped producing the Lancer in August 2017. The Lancer is generally regarded as a fairly cost-effective and dependable vehicle, but every model has down years. Here are the Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid.
With simple maintenance and sensible driving, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a fairly reliable car that can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. It should last at least 10 based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles before requiring any unexpected or catastrophic maintenance. To get beyond the initial 100,000 miles, most long-term Lancer owners report just having to pay for consumables and wear items like fluids, filters, belts, brake pads, and tires.
Because the Lancer isn’t a very complicated vehicle in terms of design, drivetrain, or components, one of the advantages is the relative ease and inexpensive cost of simple maintenance. When the total miles start to creep up, it’s fairly common for a Lancer to need more care on the engine and gearbox since they are more likely to fail, and the expense of significant repairs may outweigh the cost of the vehicle at this point in its life.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MITSUBISHI LANCER
Mitsubishi pulled the plug on the Lancer in the U.S. after the 2017 model year, this vehicle is readily available on the used car market. So, learning about the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer years is important for those looking for a second-hand vehicle.
Major complaints by model year according to Car Complaints
- 2017 1
- 2016 1
- 2015 4
- 2014 4
- 2013 2
- 2012 6
- 2011 7
- 2010 4
- 2009 3
- 2008 15
- 2007 0
- 2006 9
- 2005 5
- 2004 8
- 2003 4
- 2002 6
- 2001 2
- 1999 1
- 1995 1
- 1994 1
According to RepairPal, the Mitsubishi Lancer has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 29th out of 36 for small vehicles. A Mitsubishi Lancer’s average total yearly repair and maintenance cost is $646, compared to $526 for small vehicles and $652 for all vehicle types.
Mitsubishi Lancer owners experience going to a repair shop an average of 0.2 times per year for unplanned repairs, compared to a slightly higher 0.3 times for small cars and 0.4 times for all vehicle types.
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Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid: 2008
The 2008 model faced 129 total major complaints, 3 significant recalls, and 183 TSBs.
Complaints
- Body & Paint 4 NHTSA complaints: 9
- Suspension 4 NHTSA complaints: 20
- Fuel System 2 NHTSA complaints: 5
- Transmission 2 NHTSA complaints: 3
- Electrical 1 NHTSA complaints: 6
- Exhaust System 1 NHTSA complaints: 1
- Seat Belts & Air Bags 1 NHTSA complaints: 9
- Engine NHTSA: 17
- Steering NHTSA: 12
- Brakes NHTSA: 11
- Drivetrain NHTSA: 7
- Wheels & Hubs NHTSA: 6
- Miscellaneous NHTSA: 3
- Exterior Accessories NHTSA: 2
- Lights NHTSA: 2
- Interior Accessories NHTSA: 1
Recalls
- Drive belt separates
- Blower motor failure
- 4B1 engine
The battery will deplete and the engine will stall if the drive belt breaks, increasing the danger of an accident. The automated tensioner flange on the drive belt may split, causing the auxiliary drive belt to separate. This engine and engine cooling recall affected around 150,000 automobiles.
When the blower motor fails, the windshield defroster’s function suffers, reducing the driver’s sight and raising the chance of a collision. The visibility and overall operation of the defroster HVAC System, as well as the fan and motor, were harmed as a result. The blower motor in about 75,000 cars was recalled owing to the possibility of failure.
Around 150,000 vehicles with specific engines were recalled due to the alternator, cooling fan, and power steering pump all facing issues. These parts are powered by an engine pulley and belt arrangement in the concerned vehicles with 4B1 engines. These pulleys may show exceptional wear and allow the belt to be detached.
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Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid: 2011
The 2011 model faced 53 major complaints, 3 major recalls, and 167 TSBs
Complaints
- Body & Paint 2 NHTSA complaints: 3
- AC & Heater 1
- Interior Accessories 1 NHTSA complaints: 2
- Brakes 1 NHTSA complaints: 3
- Lights 1 NHTSA complaints: 1
- Suspension 1 NHTSA complaints: 2
- Engine NHTSA: 11
- Drivetrain NHTSA: 6
- Seat Belts & Air Bags NHTSA: 5
- Electrical NHTSA: 3
- Miscellaneous NHTSA: 3
- Steering NHTSA: 2
- Exterior Accessories NHTSA: 2
- Fuel System NHTSA: 1
- Wheels & Hubs NHTSA: 1
- Windows & Windshield NHTSA: 1
Recalls
- Belt tensioner
- Blower motor
- Drive belt
Belt tensioner
The battery will deplete and the engine will stall if the drive belt breaks, increasing the danger of an accident if the belt fails to remain attached. Nearly 150,000 vehicles were recalled.
Blower motor
When the blower motor fails, the windshield defroster’s function suffers, reducing the driver’s sight and raising the chance of a collision. Over 75,000 vehicles were impacted by the blower motor recall.
Drive belt
If the drive belt may detach if it partially snaps, the battery may deplete, causing the engine to stop and perhaps causing an accident. Over 150,000 vehicles were recalled due to this malfunction.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a decent affordable starter car with fairly high reliability. It does have some issues for specific models listed above, but if you’re looking for a used car most of these model years will be good options to consider.
Are Mitsubishi Lancers typically reliable?
Mitsubishi hasn’t sold a Lancer in the U.S. since 2017. So, any example you’ll come across will have age and mileage strikes against it. And while the Lancer generally has a good reputation for reliability, some versions have a history of troubles.
How much does a used Mitsubishi Lancer typically cost?
The biggest challenge in finding a used Mitsubishi Lancer is availability. They were never that popular to begin with. Add in time, and there are fewer and fewer examples for sale. This can make for inconsistencies in the marketplace. According to CoPilot Price Pulse, a 2008 Lancer sells for $7,472, while a 2017 Lancer has a price of $9,598. The narrow gap between the numbers is unusual (more recent model years typically command much higher amounts with other makes).
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer a good car to purchase?
With thorough research and careful selection, the Mitsubishi Lancer can be a worthwhile sedan to buy. However, given that the company hasn’t sold new Lancers in the U.S. for many years, you’ll want to pay attention to the most reliable years for this Mitsubishi. It’s the best way to counterbalance the age and mileage that come with these cars.
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