Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The Mitsubishi Lancer has 1,136 NHTSA complaints, or 329.9 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is AIR BAGS. Source: VinItel

What Mitsubishi Lancer years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2003, 2002 model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer — these have significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2003 model year alone has 241 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Lancer?

Among Mitsubishi Lancer model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2007 (3 complaints), 2017 (7 complaints), 2013 (9 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

The most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems reported to NHTSA are: AIR BAGS (92 complaints, 42.4% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (81 complaints, 6.2% crash rate); ENGINE (78 complaints, 2.6% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (67 complaints, 4.5% crash rate); SUSPENSION (66 complaints, 6.1% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Mitsubishi Lancer?

Used Mitsubishi Lancer buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2007, 2017, 2013. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability

1,136 NHTSA complaints (1996–2017). Complaint rate: 329.9 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

852.7

Complaints

1,136

Crash Rate

13.6%

Fire Rate

1.7%

Injuries

109

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2002–2004 Mitsubishi Lancer (72 crash-related complaints). The 2017 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.

Avoid These Years

2002–2004

~177/yr complaints · 72 crashes

2008–2009

~133/yr complaints · 35 crashes

Average

2006

~52/yr complaints

2010–2011

~59/yr complaints

2015–2016

~37/yr complaints

Better Years

2017

~7/yr complaints

2012–2014

~19/yr complaints

2007

~3/yr complaints

2005

~27/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Mitsubishi Lancer?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Mitsubishi Lancer — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2003 (241)

Common Mitsubishi Lancer Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
AIR BAGS	92	42.4%
POWER TRAIN	81	6.2%
ENGINE	78	2.6%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	67	4.5%
SUSPENSION	66	6.1%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	58	10.3%
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM	48	0.0%
VISIBILITY	47	0.0%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	38	10.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY	35	17.1%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2002AVOID	—	194	47	1	View →
2003AVOID	—	241	17	2	View →
2004AVOID	—	96	8	5	View →
2005GOOD	—	27	3	—	View →
2006	—	52	10	—	View →
2007GOOD	—	3	0	—	View →
2008AVOID	—	126	12	2	View →
2009AVOID	—	139	23	4	View →
2010	—	66	7	1	View →
2011	—	51	3	—	View →
2012GOOD	—	26	7	—	View →
2013GOOD	—	9	0	—	View →
2014GOOD	—	23	7	4	View →
2015	—	36	9	—	View →
2016	—	38	1	—	View →
2017GOOD	—	7	1	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Avoid These Years

Average

Better Years

A model's reputation is just the start.

Complaints by Model Year

Common Mitsubishi Lancer Problems

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Year-by-Year Breakdown

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