2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

148 federal complaints (194 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 74 service bulletins
See all 18 model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer →
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
148
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Glass & wipers
27
Air bags
25
Power train
22
Engine & cooling
22
Brakes
21
Suspension
15
Steering
12
Speed control
10
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Glass & wipers

27 complaint records
"THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE FROM HOT TO COLD. IT SEEMS TO STICK AT ONE TEMPERATURE IN THE MIDDLE POSITION. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Air bags

25 complaint records25 crash reports
"CAR WAS HIT ON SIDE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED RESULTING IN DEATH OF PASSENGER. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Power train

22 complaint records2 crash reports
"WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED OUT INTO TRAFFIC. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V458000SuspensionMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in,...Normally free
04V428000EquipmentCERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DEALER LETTER
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TSB-23-00-001
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
TSB-23-00-004
Apr 2023
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
DEALER LETTER
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TSB-22-54-003
Apr 2022
Exterior LightingThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TT253
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-19-00-008
Jul 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
MEDICUpdate517
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
TT237
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT218
Aug 2015
Power TrainThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-15-54-004
Jul 2015
EquipmentThis TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
TT217
Jul 2015
SuspensionThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT195
Mar 2013
Power TrainThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TTIndex12
Mar 2013
EquipmentThis is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
TT194
Feb 2013
SteeringThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-13-42A-002
Jan 2013
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
TT193
Jan 2013
StructureThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT192
Dec 2012
VisibilityThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT191
Nov 2012
Service BrakesThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-09-35-006
May 2009
EquipmentMITSUBISHI: ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT BRACKET TORQUE SPEC. CHANGED; SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. TO PROVIDE CORRECTED TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT MOUNTING BRACKET FASTENERS. *PE
TSB-08-37-006
Oct 2008
SteeringMITSUBISHI: A TIE ROD FREE PLAY CHECK HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE SERVICE MANUALS. *PE
137
May 2007
Power TrainREPROGRAMMING THE PCM DRIVABILITY OR SENSITIVITY ISSUES CAN BE CORRECTED. *KB
04005
Apr 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingRENOTIFICATION CAMPAIGN. *KB
07001
Mar 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLING FAN CONTROLLER. *KB
0711001
Jan 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingHARD TO START ENGINE. DTC P0340 (AND P0335). COULD BE DUE TO ABNORMAL WEAR TO THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. *KB
06001
Jan 2006
Vehicle Speed ControlHIGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER PCM REPROGRAMMING - EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TT
0455003
Dec 2005
VisibilityHEATER TEMPERATURE DIAL HARD TO TURN. *TT
05002
Dec 2005
Power TrainEMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN - INCORRECT PARAMETERS IN THE PCM SOFTWARE THAT MAY ALLOW A MALFUNCTION IN THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR TO GO UNDETECTED BY THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD). *TT
0534002
Dec 2005
SuspensionREAR LOWER ARM PILLOW BALL BUSHING REPLACEMENT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0555004
Dec 2005
VisibilityINSUFFICIENT HEATER PERFORMANCE. *TT
0523004
Jul 2005
Power Train2-3 SHIFT FLARE. *TT
0517001
May 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCRUISE CONTROL DIAGNOSIS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
115
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0181 UPDATE. MITSUBISHI TECH TALK. *TT
0513006
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemALTERNATOR FR TERMINAL VOLTAGE - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0554001
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemBATTERY LOAD TEST RATE CHART - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
113
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0335 AND/OR P0340 WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON. *TT
13
Dec 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0335 AND/OR P0340 WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON. MITSUBISHI TECH TALK. *TT
12012004
Dec 2004
Vehicle Speed ControlSPORT PEDAL INSTALLATION TOOLS. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT
0442A005
Jul 2004
EquipmentCORRECTED KEYLESS ENTRY ANSWERBACK FUNCTION INDICATOR INFORMATION - TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL REVISION. *TT
05012004
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRADIATOR HOSE COLLAPSED. *EH
0313009
Dec 2003
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0507. *TT
0314002
Dec 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCORRECTED SPECIFIED ENGINE COOLANT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0335003
Nov 2003
Service BrakesCLICKING, SQUEALING, OR GROANING NOISE WHEN BRAKING. *PH
0323006
Oct 2003
Power TrainTORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, SURGE, AND/OR VIBRATION (POSSIBLY INTERMITTENT) WHEN DRIVING 35-50 MPH AT STEADY THROTTLE. *TT
0355008
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE COOLING TUBE. *TT
0355008R
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC.) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE COOLING TUBE. *TT
0321001
May 2003
Power TrainCLUTCH RELEASE CYLINDER LEAKING CONDITION. *TT
93
May 2003
EquipmentBLOWER MOTOR FAILURE. *TT
0323001
Jan 2003
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (A/T) STANDARD HYDRAULIC PRESSURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0351001
Jan 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSPECIAL WIPER PIVOT CAPS (GROMMETS) ONTO THE WIPER PIVOT SHAFTS TO KEEP WATER FROM ENTERING THE BLOWER MOTOR, CAUSING BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE. *TT
89
Dec 2002
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0181. *TT
0242A016
Oct 2002
StructurePARTIAL WELDED PANEL REPLACEMENT. *TT
10012002
Oct 2002
Service BrakesCLICK OR POP NOISE WHEN BRAKING. *EH
0242A015
Sep 2002
StructureTRUNK LID ADJUSTMENT AND TORSION BAR REMOVAL - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0251005
Sep 2002
VisibilityWIPER / WASHER SWITCH CHECK PROCEDURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
09012002
Sep 2002
EquipmentBLOWER HOUSING FILTER. *EH
85
Aug 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0507. *TT
TSB0213014
Jul 2002
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING FUEL TANK DIFFERENTIALPRESSURE SENSOR - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
TSB0223004
Jul 2002
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN REVISES THE TIGHTENING TORQUE VALUES FOR THE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SHAFT RETAINER BOLTS AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP MOUNTING BOLTS. *TT
84
Jul 2002
Electrical SystemVEHICLE TECHNICAL INFORMATION REGARDING POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0507. *TT

Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mitsubishi Lancer →