Which Years Of Used Mitsubishi Lancer Are Most Reliable?
For several decades the Mitsubishi Lancer took on more popular competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic in different markets. In 2002, Mitsubishi launched this compact sedan in America, taking the place of the Mirage. Although 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.
With this in mind, let’s explore what you need to know about the Mitsubishi Lancer. We’ll highlight essential model information and dive into the most reliable years.
We’ll review what carcomplaints.com and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) have to say about the Lancer. While cars can have all sorts of problems, our focus is on the number of engine and transmission problems. These systems are the most costly to repair and significantly influence a vehicle’s dependability.
This article looks solely at reliability; you’ll want also to research Mitsubishi Lancer safety, fuel economy, and other factors that may influence your buying decisions. In addition, we’re only covering the eighth (2002-2007) and ninth (2008-2017) generations of Lancers. Older models were sold only outside the U.S.
THE MITSUBISHI LANCER YEARS TO AVOID
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.
Here’s an overview of the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer years.
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2017
Most Reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Years: Eighth Generation (Sold: 2002-2007)
Seeking to ditch the economy car roots of the predecessor Mirage, Mitsubishi reinvented its compact offering for the U.S. with the Lancer. While still affordable, the tall greenhouse created a surprisingly spacious cabin giving this vehicle a somewhat more upscale vibe. Its interior volume topped the Civic, and backseat legroom matched what some midsized cars offered, including Mitsubishi’s own Galant.
Of course, no one will confuse the Lancer for a luxury car. A 120-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides just enough oomph to get the job done and not much else.
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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
Although the eighth-generation Lancer debuted for the 2002 model year, the early years of this version were plagued with drivetrain problems. However, things quieted down for 2004. While not perfect, the count of engine-related problems dropped significantly. There are a handful of reports about a problematic clutch, which is something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about a 2004 Lancer with a manual transmission.
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
Owner reports about the engine are down to the single digits, making a solid case for this Lancer. There’s also one complaint filed with NHTSA for the transmission, a remarkably low number considering Mitsubishi sold almost 28,000 Lancers in 2005. Most of the issues with this model year involve recalls surrounding the infamous Takata airbag recall.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
Based on available data, it’s smooth sailing for the 2006 Lancer and its engine and transmission. There are a few complaints in these areas. However, it’s important to note that these cars are approaching 20 years of life. It’s always advisable to have any used car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.
2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
We had to double-check the data because there were so few complaints about the 2007 Lancer, and Mitsubishi sold more than 31,000 examples. NHTSA has a grand total of three owner reports; there’s nothing on record with carcomplaints.com. Among all the eighth-generation Lancers, the 2007 model year is the best of the bunch.
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Most Reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Years: Ninth Generation (Sold: 2008-2012)
Mitsubishi totally reinvented the Lancer for its ninth generation, which launched for the 2008 model year. The sleek exterior makes the Lancer look more upscale, while a longer wheelbase and wider track give the car a more substantial street presence.
The extra horsepower and improved handling also deliver a more engaging experience behind the wheel. And available options like automatic climate control and touchscreen navigation give the Lancer features once reserved for more expensive vehicles.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
It took Mitsubishi several years to chase away the gremlins of the early years of the ninth-generation Lancer. Many of these problems can be traced to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). So, don’t bother shopping for ninth-gen Lancer until the 2012 model year. Drivetrain troubles have declined to the point where we can give this Lancer a thumbs up.
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
The 2013 Lancer also gets good grades thanks to almost non-existent complaints about the engine. A few reports cite a problematic transmission, so be sure that a pre-purchase inspection gives the CVT a thorough once-over. Otherwise, it’s OK to add this Lancer to your shopping list. Notably, there are no recalls for the 2013 model year.
2014 Mitsubishi Lancer
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer is another model year that’s worth checking out. There are hardly any bad words about the engine, but a small number of reports about the transmission appear. If the CVT checks out after an inspection, you should be good to go with a 2014 Lancer.
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer
Despite a recall for a defective relay, which can cause engine stalling, the 2015 Lancer gets a clean health bill. You’ll want to ensure the repairs have been made on any car under consideration. Just go to the NHTSA recall website and enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if the 2015 Lancer you’re thinking about is subject to the recall. You can also check if the repairs have been completed.
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2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
We deliberately skipped the 2016 Lancer from our reliability list because of an uptick in reports about the engine. The recall that affected the engines in the 2015 Lancer also applies to the 2016 and 2017 model years. However, related complaints are modest for the 2017 Lancer (like the 2015 edition). The biggest challenge to buying a 2017 model year is availability. Mitsubishi sold less than 13,000 copies in 2017, the last year of the Lancer in the U.S. Nonetheless, this model year is a worthwhile addition to your shopping list.
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