Owners have filed 139 complaints
about the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer with NHTSA between 2009 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 81
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Lancer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Mitsubishi Lancer
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1414.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1010.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2021.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2122.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1819.1%
150,000+ miles
77.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2009peak 7Oct 2023
Recalls on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V279000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
18V069000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
18V071000
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
15V232000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
14V562000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
09V435000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
Risk: 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.
09V077000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
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.
Risk: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202021681,449 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front cross-member (subframe). As a result, a lower control arm could eventually detach from the cross-member. This could cause a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of control can create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mitsubishi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the front cross-member (subframe). If no significant corrosion is found, the dealer will spray a sealing and anti-corrosion coating both inside and on the cross-member. If significant corrosion is found, the dealer will replace the cross-member.
Recall 201858880,610 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the wiper link rod with a countermeasure one, and will replace the wiper motor crank arm with a new one.
Recall 201805418,795 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, the sunroof may not have been bonded properly and could separate from the vehicle. This could pose a risk to other road users, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly.
Recall 201805245,050 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration. This could cause the drive belt to detach, leading to battery depletion, which would result in a loss of motive power and a loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auto tensioner with a countermeasure unit.
Recall 201638266,076 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, a mixture of snow, water and road-salt solution may infiltrate between the front impact sensor and the bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. Over time, repeated freezing/thawing cycles could cause a crack to develop in the sensor case allowing water intrusion and short circuit of the sensor. In the event of a crash, this could result in delayed deployment of the driver and passenger front airbags which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front impact sensor and replace it if it is found to be cracked. An updated designed bracket and cover will also be installed.
Recall 201516632,810 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles, the blower motor may have been incorrectly manufactured. This could result in a premature failure of the blower motor which could affect the defroster performance resulting in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace blower motor and the power transistor as needed.
Recall 201516527,277 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the ECU which controls the head lights, tail lights and windshield wipers may have been improperly manufactured. This could cause the voltage in the ECU to become unstable and cause the head lights and/or tail lights to turn off and/or the windshield wipers to become inoperable. This could affect driver visibility and decrease vehicle conspicuity, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the affected ECU with an updated version.
Recall 201439749,227 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the drive belt material may cause abnormal pulley wear. If the vehicle is driven under this condition, the drive belt may become damaged from the worn pulley and detach, affecting electrical charging system and cooling system function and would illuminate the engine warning lamp(s) on the instrument panel. This could result in battery depletion and an overheated engine, resulting in a loss of motive power. Vehicles equipped with a hydraulic power steering system could also experience loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive belt, and the pulley will be replaced if it is found worn beyond a certain level.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,000 milesMound House, NVCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED UPON DEPRESSION AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP HIS BRAKES REPEATEDLY IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HE ALSO APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOR ASSISTANCE BEFORE HITTING A TREE STUMP. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A TWEAK IN HIS RIGHT SHOULDER BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT NEEDED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO LOW IMPACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE TO ROSEVILLE AUTOMALL(700 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) AND THE MANUFACTURER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V077000(SERVICE BRAKES, AIR); THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11378517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,100 milesLinwood, NCCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WE HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY WOULD CUT OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR AND LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF AND WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE RELAY OUT TO GET THEM TURNED OFF. THEY WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS ON OR OFF. REPLACED NUMEROUS RELAYS, RETURNED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THREE TIMES. THIS CAUSED OUR SON TO HAVE A WRECK AS THE LOW BEAMS LIGHTS TURNED OFF AND A CAR NOT SEEING HIM PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. STARTED A 1 1/2 YEARS AGO, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF AND NOTHING BEING DONE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE ANOTHER ACCIDENT OCCURS OR DEATH FROM ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11353849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
AIR BAGS
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesOAK Brook, ILCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I WAS ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE IN MY TOWN AND WAS GOING UP TO THE TOP LEVEL. AS I AM ABOUT TO TURN THE CORNER, I REALIZE I AM GOING A BIT FASTER THAN I THOUGHT. SO I APPLY FULL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHICH DID NOT WORK AS FAST AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. THE TOW TRUCK MAN LATER TOLD ME THAT I WAS GOING AROUND 20 TO 30 MPH AT TIME OF IMPACT. WHEN I HIT THE PILLAR IN FRONT OF ME, THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT TIGHTEN AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. THIS MEANT THAT MY WHOLE BODY SNAPPED FORWARD AND IMPACTED COLLARBONE FIRST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, MY WHOLE LEFT SIDE FELT NUMB AND I WAS LEFT WITH A SWOLLEN COLLARBONE AND CONTUSIONS FROM THE IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #11290578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Victorville ca, CA
WHEELS
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
NHTSA complaint #11551735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville ca, CA
STEERING
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
NHTSA complaint #11551735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville ca, CA
SUSPENSION
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
NHTSA complaint #11551735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRaton, NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights turned off and turned on independently, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V232000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRaton, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights turned off and turned on independently, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V232000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldn’t pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldn’t understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldn’t move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
NHTSA complaint #11521960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldn’t pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldn’t understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldn’t move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
NHTSA complaint #11521960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldn’t pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldn’t understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldn’t move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
NHTSA complaint #11521960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesEllington, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while the vehicle was having a routine oil change at the dealer, the mechanic stated that rear crossmember bar was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was informed that the front crossmember bar needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 116,000. The consumer stated while the mechanic was attempting to change the front cross member started taking the front end apart, he said he had stripped a bolt on the catalytic converter. Also, the dealer charged the consumer for a new catalytic converter without permission. A new appointment was made on 12/14/2022 to fix the damages at their cost.
NHTSA complaint #11494679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My brake light are no longer working and it is not because of a bulb I replaced all of them and they still do not work. And also my cruise control turns on and off but it will not set a speed
NHTSA complaint #11477444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake light are no longer working and it is not because of a bulb I replaced all of them and they still do not work. And also my cruise control turns on and off but it will not set a speed
NHTSA complaint #11477444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBaldwin, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that after the vehicle had sat for over five days undriven, the vehicle had to be jump started. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Bluetooth connection module was draining the battery and that the module needed to be removed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11448035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBerlin, WI
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR PARKED AND RUNNING. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG MODULE THRU 2007 LANCER. MINE HAS 71K MILES. IS THERE A RECALL IN THE WORKS FOR 2009 MODELS?
NHTSA complaint #11399136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesMound House, NVCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED UPON DEPRESSION AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP HIS BRAKES REPEATEDLY IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HE ALSO APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOR ASSISTANCE BEFORE HITTING A TREE STUMP. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A TWEAK IN HIS RIGHT SHOULDER BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT NEEDED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO LOW IMPACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE TO ROSEVILLE AUTOMALL(700 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) AND THE MANUFACTURER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V077000(SERVICE BRAKES, AIR); THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11378517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
NHTSA complaint #11373055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
ENGINE
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
NHTSA complaint #11373055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covina, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
NHTSA complaint #11373055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danbury, CT
SUSPENSION
SUB FRAME IS BAD ON THE CAR. HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AND STATE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CALLED MITSUBISHI MOTORS AND DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES NO RESOLUTION...
NHTSA complaint #11362058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,093 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE STILL OPERATING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE ECU, PART NUMBER 8637C096 IS WHAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR A 2009 LANCER, SR-15-002, FOR THE ECU BUT BECAUSE OF THE PART NUMBER (8637A826) DIFFERENCE THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ECU THAT IS FAULTY. UPON FURTHER PERSONAL INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ECU FOR LANCERS;10091781, 10158957, 10142736, 10117850, 10158956, 10158955, 10142736, 10158957. SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HAVE REPORTED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE. (HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MITSUBISHI/LANCER/2009/ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML) PART NUMBERS ARE "NOT TYPICALLY GIVEN OUT" I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2020. THE REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER I WAS GIVEN WOULD BE 8637C496. HOWEVER, THIS PART MUST BE PROGRAMMED BY A LISCENED DEALER....THIS MONOPOLY OF PARTS, REFUSAL TO GIVE OUT PART IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS, AND EXTREME COST (OF THE PART ~$870) HAS CAUSED PEOPLE TO BE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIR WHILE THE MANUFACTURE IS ESSENTIALLY NOT COVERING THE COST OF THE SAFETY CONCERN AND PUTS THE COST OF REPAIR ON THE CONSUMER.. OR THE VEHICLE CANNOT PASS INSPECTION AND THEREFOR CANNOT CONTINUE TO BE IN SERVICE. I WILL NOT OWN ANOTHER MITSUBISHI BECAUSE OF THIS. MY HUSBAND PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND ALL SAFETY RECALLS, SERVICE, AND EVEN TIRE ROTATIONS HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED ON THIS CAR. AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS COMPLETED, AND I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP TO RETURN HOME THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AFTER MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. AT THIS TIME MY 2009 LANCER IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS ASKED IF I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER THE PART TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11361090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,093 milesRaleigh, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE STILL OPERATING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE ECU, PART NUMBER 8637C096 IS WHAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR A 2009 LANCER, SR-15-002, FOR THE ECU BUT BECAUSE OF THE PART NUMBER (8637A826) DIFFERENCE THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ECU THAT IS FAULTY. UPON FURTHER PERSONAL INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ECU FOR LANCERS;10091781, 10158957, 10142736, 10117850, 10158956, 10158955, 10142736, 10158957. SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HAVE REPORTED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE. (HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MITSUBISHI/LANCER/2009/ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML) PART NUMBERS ARE "NOT TYPICALLY GIVEN OUT" I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2020. THE REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER I WAS GIVEN WOULD BE 8637C496. HOWEVER, THIS PART MUST BE PROGRAMMED BY A LISCENED DEALER....THIS MONOPOLY OF PARTS, REFUSAL TO GIVE OUT PART IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS, AND EXTREME COST (OF THE PART ~$870) HAS CAUSED PEOPLE TO BE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE REPAIR WHILE THE MANUFACTURE IS ESSENTIALLY NOT COVERING THE COST OF THE SAFETY CONCERN AND PUTS THE COST OF REPAIR ON THE CONSUMER.. OR THE VEHICLE CANNOT PASS INSPECTION AND THEREFOR CANNOT CONTINUE TO BE IN SERVICE. I WILL NOT OWN ANOTHER MITSUBISHI BECAUSE OF THIS. MY HUSBAND PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND ALL SAFETY RECALLS, SERVICE, AND EVEN TIRE ROTATIONS HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED ON THIS CAR. AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS COMPLETED, AND I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP TO RETURN HOME THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AFTER MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. AT THIS TIME MY 2009 LANCER IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS ASKED IF I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER THE PART TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11361090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,100 milesLinwood, NCCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WE HAVE ISSUES WITH THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY WOULD CUT OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. WOULD STAY ON WHEN CAR AND LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF AND WE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE RELAY OUT TO GET THEM TURNED OFF. THEY WOULD FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS ON OR OFF. REPLACED NUMEROUS RELAYS, RETURNED MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THREE TIMES. THIS CAUSED OUR SON TO HAVE A WRECK AS THE LOW BEAMS LIGHTS TURNED OFF AND A CAR NOT SEEING HIM PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM. STARTED A 1 1/2 YEARS AGO, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF AND NOTHING BEING DONE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE ANOTHER ACCIDENT OCCURS OR DEATH FROM ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11353849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EWA Beach, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I GOT RECALL ABOUT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR MY MITSUBISHI 2009 LANCER. IT SAID THAT IT APPLIES TO ALL CARS IF EXPOSED FOR LONG TERM TO SNOW MELT WATER AND ANTI-FREEZING AGENTS. IT SAYS IN THE RECALL THAT A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH. MY CAR WAS EXPOSED TO SNOW MELT AND ANTI-FREEZING AGENTS FOR TWO YEARS IN SOUTH KOREA, ONE TEAR IN MISSOURI, AND SEVEN YEARS IN NEW YORK. OAHU DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HELP AND SAID THAT THIS RECALL APPLIES TO THE CARS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN JAPAN ONLY. I CALLED NJ DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY SAID THAT WE SHOULD BRING THE CAR IN IMMEDIATELY AND THEY WILL HELP WITH THIS SAFETY RECALL. CURRENTLY I LIVE ON OAHU, HAWAII AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE CAR AND IGNORE THIS SAFETY RECALL. WHY ONE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF THE CAR AND AWARE OF SAFETY RECALL WHILE OTHER IN HAWAII WHERE I CURRENTLY LIVE, REFUSING TO FIX IT. PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #11349586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
AIR BAGS
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesElkton, VACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS NEW RECALL IN JULY 2020 A DETACHED FRONT CONTROL ARM MAY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR .MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR BECAUSE THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR AND WRECKED ON 6/26/2020 HER AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OUT WHEN SHE WENT OFF THE ROAD IN A DITCH. SHE WAS DRIVING IN CLEAR CONDITIONS AT 55 MPH AND THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE STARTED TO SHAKE. SHE WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HER CAR. AND HAS A COURT DATE WITH RECKLESS DRIVING. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VA COURT ID FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11343807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.