132 of the 1,139 complaints filed about the Mitsubishi Lancer are about the engine — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2009.
132
Complaints
12%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
3
Fires
ENGINE
Needs a new motor. I know other 2015 Mitsubishi lancers were recalled for the same reason and this one should be also.
NHTSA complaint #11602757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
2016 SE 2.4L AWC. Purchased car in February 2022 at 66k miles. In December of 2022 at 78k miles, car lost majority power while traveling at 40 MPH, threw 'Tranmission Servie Required' warning light. Drove 3 blocks home, parked for 2 hours. Turned car on and drove normally without lights. Previous event happened x3 before changing transmission fluid in February 2023. From February to May, roughly 500 miles, no codes occured. However, occasional hesitation when accelerating from a stop. Then, in May 2023, while traveling 80 MPH, RPMs shot to 6000, car began to lose power. Pulled to shoulder, turned car off and on, and was able to travel home without issue, another 15 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11524258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The dealership that is repairing the drive belt recall, is attempting to charge me for the replacement of a damaged pulley.
NHTSA complaint #11520768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vehicle accelerates by it self
NHTSA complaint #11497959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The car started flashing a warning sign and loosing power. When trying to accelerate it stops. Eventually it puts the car into a limp mode and will stall altogether. This happens any long distance trip. My car year and model is not the only Lancer being effected by this computer glitch. It’s very dangerous due to the fact that the cars loosing power while you’re driving. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the middle of the highway it will just stop working. All research I have done points to an error within the computer that tells the car when to cool down the transmission. I have seen many blogs, forums and actually know another Lancer owner who’s model is a 2012 and has the exact same issue. I don’t know why this hasn’t been addressed yet when it’s affecting more than just one Lancer here or there. Bad for the engine bad for the transmission bad for my travel. And the worst part is that any mechanic is unable to detect the issue unless the car is actively coding. I’ve had this car for 3 years now and I feel it’s a big safety concern and needs to looked into. First occurrence was on a trip down to a local lake car stalled on the side of a highway this was in 2018. Now any trip further than over 30 miles or more the car will throw this code it looks like a gear and it has a exclamation point in the middle. It’s progressively getting worse and effecting the over all performance more each time I wish to travel. Please find out why this issue is occurring in multiple years of the same model of car because it inconvenient and dangerous. I would hate for myself and my kids to get killed in an accident due to not being able to get out of the way of a bigger vehicle or a truck.
NHTSA complaint #11485374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the RPM increased from 2,000 to 5,000. Additionally, speedometer became inoperable, he brake was not working as designed, and the Service Transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V609000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
About 3 weeks ago I notice that the driver seat belt didn’t wanted to click to fasten the seat belt. I notice for sometime now that the car sometimes. Kind of stall then you have to step on the gas pedal to proceed and I’m afraid someone will hit me from the back because it doesn’t go when it’s suppose to also like when you turn it stalls and then you give it gas and it goes then
NHTSA complaint #11471081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer and I have been experiencing issues with the engine. The check engine light comes on constantly then disappears for about 2 weeks and then comes back soon after. This has been a ongoing thing since i got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery light will come on (with noise and notice) then quickly turn off and not come back on. This happens on and off also. I did some research and I believe it is a belt issue.
NHTSA complaint #11432087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Approximately May, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code P0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we’re not further issues for about a year until June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11422587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
NHTSA safety report 06/2021 — while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the ABS warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. This prompted me to check the alternator where I noticed the loose belt and broken tensioner which I had repaired at my own expense the following day.
NHTSA complaint #11422594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
SMOG STATION INSPECTION REPORT ;; RECALL ONREPROGRAM PCM AND REPLACE FAN CONTROLLER
NHTSA complaint #11397612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CUP FROM THE BALL JOINTS, THE FRONT END, TIE ROD, UNKNOWN WIRING HARNESS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MITSUBISHI DEALER HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11341985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WARNING MESSAGE "TOO HOT SLOW DOWN" APPEARS WHEN INCLINING UPHILL IN ABOVE 70 DEGREES (F) AT 45MPH OR MORE. TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO LOSE POWER, DECELERATION OCCURS, TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS NORMAL ON DASHBOARD MENU, VEHICLE TRANSMISSION RUNS ON HIGH RPM ABOVE 3000, TRANSMISSION SOUNDS ARE LOUDER THAN NORMAL, AND WHEN VEHICLE REACHES COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE WARNING MESSAGE DOES NOT GO AWAY. WHEN VEHICLE IS MANUALLY SHUT OFF, MESSAGE WILL STILL APPEAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON TO ELECTRICAL ONLY, MESSAGE WILL STILL APPEAR. AFTER 5 MINUTES OR MORE IN POWER OFF, VEHICLE WILL RESTART LIKE NORMAL, MESSAGE IS CLEARED, AND GAUGES FOR TEMPERATURE AND OIL PRESSURE IS NORMAL RANGE. NO ERROR CODES ARE DISCOVERED WHEN PULLING CODES WHEN ISSUE OCCURS. EMISSIONS IS OKAY AND VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO VEHICLE'S SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PLANS. ISSUE HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RESPONDED WITH A SUGGESTED RESOLUTION OR ADVISEMENT ON THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11330819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
BELT TENSIONER IS BAD AND WHEN ACCELERATING MAKES NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD IN THE MORNING
NHTSA complaint #11288443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH 200 MILES ON IT AT 700 MILES TOOK IT IN FOR LATCHES AND RATTLES. SINCE THAT HAIR EVERY 8K MIKES IT NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH AT 22K MILES MADTER SLAVE FAILED TRANSMISSION STARTED TO GIVE OUT AT 28K MILES. PLEASE REVIVE SAWC EVERY 1,000 MILES I'VE OWNED THAT CAR MITSUBISHI STATED NO PROBLEMS FOUND AT THIS TIME. BUT IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE ONCE DRIVEN. I WORKED FOR ELDER MITSUSHITTY AND THEY REFUSED MY WARRANTY SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH CASH IN MY BANK ACCOUNT TO COVER THE COST OF A REPAIR IF THE WARTY DIDN'T COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR SOME REASON I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WOULDN'T OF. SO I HAD TO REPOSSESS THIS CAR DUE TO THE ISSUES AND CAR MAX PURCHASED IT AND MISSION MITAUBISHI COULD NOT DIAG IT EVEN THOUGH CARMAX TOOK IT IN FOR THE TRANSMISSION POPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR. I AM THE ONLY 2015 MITAUBISHI CERTIFIED SALES ASSOCIATE IN AUSTIN TEXAS. AND THE DEALERSHIP NEGLECTED MY CONCERNS SO I HAD TO REPO MY VEHICLE AND QUIT DUE TO REPAIRS HEY WHERE TRYING TO FORCE ME TO PURCHASE ANOTHER AND ROLL OVER 20K UPSIDE DOWN THEY SOLD A STOLEN EVO FOR MSRP OF MY USED CAR. THIS EVO KILLED ME AND NO ONE KNEW HOW TO SIMPLE WORK. CARFAX HAS YET TO SELL IT SINCE MISSION MITAUBISHI COULD NOT DIAG SOMETHING I COULD, OR CARMAX. ALSO CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT 6 TIMES DUE TO CAR SMELLED LIKE RAW FUEL DUE TO FUEL LEAK 3 TIMES TAKEN TO SERVICE IN 3 YEARS. MECHANIC FREAKED OUT FROM THE SMELL WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE FUEL LEAK. I MEMORIZED THE VIN FROM HOW MANY TIMES I TOOK IT INTO SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #11281241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE MECHANIC GAVE HER A $200 REIMBURSEMENT TOWARDS THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED SOON AFTER, INCLUDING SHAKING AND JERKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ENTIRE NEW ENGINE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V069000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 12E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALLS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS OR THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
NHTSA complaint #11265899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
2 YEARS AGO I BROUGHT A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR MY CAR FROM DE DEALERSHIP. THAT COST ME 496.76$ FEW MONTHS AGO THE CHECK ENGINE TURN IN AND WHEN I CHECK I HAVE THE CODE P0421. THAT IS THE CODE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. I WHEN TO MITSUBISHI 2 DAYS AGO AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE IT BECAUSE I'M THE FIRST CLIENT THAT COMES BACK FOR THE SAME PART. ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES CHECK MY CAR AND HE SAID THAT MY CAR IS BURNING OIL. HE TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO CHANGE THE VALVE LIFTER. DO I REALLY NEED TO DO THAT THEN BUY A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER?
NHTSA complaint #11258370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EXPRESSWAY MITSUBISHI (LOCATED AT 5511 E INDIANA ST, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715, (866)437-9750) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,839.
NHTSA complaint #11254213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE WAS CHOSEN FROM A WEBSITE CALLED HTTPS://DRIVEYOURDREAM.TRUECAR.COM THERE WAS A SELECT A DEALER PAGE THAT FORWARDED THE PRICE AND PAYMENT PLAN TO THE SELECTED DEALER. THE CAR WAS IN EXTREMELY STRANGE CONDITION MOST LIKELY WAS SITTING A LONG TIME INTO A SOME KIND OF A VEHICLE STORAGE. SO FAR THE CAR IS WORKING OK WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, GAS PEDAL, GEAR-SPEED-CLUTCH STICK, ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS EXPECTED BY THE STANDARDS APPROVED BY MITSUBISHI AUTOMOTIVE USA. THE CAR CANNOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND IT IS CONSUMING TOO MUCH GASOLINE AND ENGINE OIL. THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY WERE DONE BUT THE MAIN PROBLEM REGARDING ACCELERATION HAS NOT EVEN BEEN CONSIDERED AS A RECALL YET AS FAR AS I KNOW.
NHTSA complaint #11240763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.