2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

98 federal complaints (139 component records) · 8 recall campaigns on file · 96 service bulletins · 13 Canadian recalls
See all 18 model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD, FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
98
Recall campaigns
8
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.

Engine & cooling
27
Electrical system
19
Brakes
17
Power train
14
Lighting
13
Air bags
9
Suspension
6
Body & structure
6
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.

Engine & cooling

27 complaint records
"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..."- 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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

19 complaint records1 fire report
"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..."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →

Brakes

17 complaint records2 fire reports7 crash reports
"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..."- 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 brakes 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
20V279000SuspensionMitsubishi 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,...Normally free
18V071000VisibilityMitsubishi 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.Normally free
18V069000Engine And Engine CoolingMitsubishi 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.Normally free
15V233000VisibilityMitsubishi 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,...Normally free
15V232000Electrical SystemMitsubishi 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...Normally free
14V562000Engine And Engine CoolingMitsubishi 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...Normally free
09V435000Air BagsMITSUBISHI 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,...Normally free
09V077000Service Brakes, AirMITSUBISHI 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020216
2020-05-15
Structure81,449Issue: 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.
2018588
2018-10-26
Visual System80,610On 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.
2018052
2018-01-26
Electrical45,050On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration.
2018054
2018-01-26
Accessories18,795On 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.
2016382
2016-07-29
Airbag66,076On 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.
Show 8 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2015165
2015-04-17
Lights And Instruments27,277On certain vehicles, the ECU which controls the head lights, tail lights and windshield wipers may have been improperly manufactured.
2015166
2015-04-17
Heater And Defroster32,810On 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...
2014397
2014-09-15
Engine49,227On 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...
2013316
2013-09-20
Powertrain1,009On certain vehicles, the clutch master cylinder may fail, resulting in an inability to disengage the clutch or to shift gears. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, increased stopping distances and engine stalling.
2009317
2009-11-09
Airbag22,440On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, the front impact sensors may corrode between the sensor bushing and sensor bracket.
2009260
2009-09-10
Fuel System1,327On certain vehicles, the fuel return pipe may develop stress cracking, under certain conditions, allowing a fuel leak to occur.
2009072
2009-03-06
Brakes14,664On certain vehicles, the brake booster check valve may 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 manoeuvres), there may be insufficient...
2008419
2008-11-20
Label568On certain vehicles, the French-language tire pressure label may contain incorrect spare tire information. The specification for the spare tire may be shown as T145/70D18, instead of T145/70R18.

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
TECH TALK 289
Nov 2025
Electrical SystemTech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
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-23-22-001
Jul 2023
Power TrainThis Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
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.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
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-23-11-001
Jan 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
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.
TIN-21-13-001
Apr 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.
TIN-20-SR-003REV
Sep 2020
EquipmentTechnical Information Notice sent to dealerships to advise ofrevision changes to TSB "SR-20-003REV_2"
SR-20-003REV_2
Sep 2020
EquipmentRevision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers.
SR-20-003REV_2
Aug 2020
SuspensionThis TSB was sent to dealers as an update to SR-20-003REV_1 issued in July 2020 and provides updates to the warranty information.
TIN-20-SR-003REV
Aug 2020
StructureThis Technical Information Notice was sent to dealerships to notify of a revised Safety Recall Bulletin SR-20-003REV_2 update regarding warranty information and entry of claims.
MIC-MITS-2020080
Aug 2020
EquipmentPublications Report for Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. - July 2020
TIN-20-SR-003
Aug 2020
SuspensionThis Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that a recall campaign was released on July 22, 2020 (SR-20-003) for the Crossmember Corrosion.
ATIN-20-SR-003D
Jul 2020
EquipmentThis ATIN-20-SR-003D supersedes ATIN-20-SR-003C and ATIN-20-SR-003B, providing notification of modifications to the TSB and repair procedure; noting when a Crossmember replacement is required the anti-corrosive agent application is not required.
SR-20-003REV_1
Jul 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers in the Safety Recall.
ATIN-20-SR-003-C
Jul 2020
EquipmentThis Advanced Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers as an update to ATIN-20-SR-003B informing that due to a parts availability delay of the Crossmember, customer vehicles requiring a replacement of the crossmember are unable to be completed at this time.
SR20003_ICL
Jul 2020
EquipmentInterim Customer Notification Letter for Recall SR-20-003 - Crossmember
Interim Customer
Jul 2020
StructureThis Letter was sent to customers informing them of the launch of Recall SR-20-003, part are currently unavailable; but they will be notified when parts become availble for repairs to begin. This notice also provided customers instruction on how to obtain repairs.
ATIN-20-SR-003-B
Jun 2020
StructureThis Advanced Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them of the upcoming recall being released for the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles, if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents, may...
TIN-20-00-007REV
May 2020
EquipmentThis Technical Information Notice revises TIN-20-00-007 informing dealers TK Services has confirmed that pickup service has resumed for dealerships and customer facilities.
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.
TSB-19-15-001
Jul 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This Bulletin updates the Intake and Exhaust section of the affected Service Manuals, to correct the exhaust manifold and turbocharger assembly removal and installation procedure.
TSB-19-13-003
Apr 2019
EngineThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the following symptoms in cold weather: the check engine light illuminating with a limited vehicle speed...
TSB-19-34-003
Apr 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Rear Suspension section of the affected Service Manuals, to delete the requirement for an installation direction of the coil spring end of the shock absorber assembly.
TSB-19-54-010
Apr 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin provides dealers with a basic description of the hands-free systems used in Mitsubishi built vehicles. The bulletin covers components and operation, system layouts showing the differences in Japan built and U.S.
TSB1942B003
Mar 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Body section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout with DTC U0141.
TSB1952B005
Mar 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout diagnostics with DTC U0141.
TSB1954008
Mar 2019
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout diagnostics with DTC U0141.
TSB-19-37-001
Feb 2019
SuspensionThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Steering section of the affected Service Manuals to update the lubricant, sealant, special tools, and procedures used in replacement of the Tie Rod End Ball Joint Dust Cover, which are now...
TSB-19-33-001
Jan 2019
SuspensionThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Front Suspension section of the affected Service Manuals to update the special service tool used in replacement of the Lower Arm Ball Joint Dust Cover.
TSB-19-33-002
Jan 2019
SuspensionThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Front Suspension section of the affected Service Manuals to correct the starting torque of the Lower Arm Ball Joint rotation.
TSB-19-42B-001
Jan 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. This bulletin instructs dealers how to re-register vehicle keys for affected vehicles.
TSB-18-11-001
Dec 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Engine section of the affected Service Manuals to correct the tightening torque for the Fastener Tightening Specifications and the oil pump chain's removal and installation.
TSB-18-16-001
Dec 2018
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Engine Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals to correct the tightening torque for the generator assembly removal and installation.
TSB-18-32-001
Dec 2018
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Power Plant Mount section of the affected Service Manuals to correct the tightening torque for the crossmember removal service points.
TSB-18-51-001
Dec 2018
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Exterior section of the affected Service Manuals to correct the tightening torque for the front bumper assembly and radiator grille, under cover and floor console assembly.
TSB-18-13-003
Dec 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the following symptoms in cold weather: the check engine light illuminating with a limited vehicle speed...
TSB-18-54-003
Jun 2018
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. It provides dealers instructions for reprogramming the ETACS ECU with updated software to resolve the issue on certain vehicles experiencing dome light flickering when the vehicle's doors are opened or dome light is switched...
TSB-18-52A-001
Apr 2018
Seat BeltsThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. Customers may report the front seat belt fraying as a result of being caught under the seat reclining adjusting lever.
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.
SRSSensorInvesti
Aug 2017
EquipmentThis is a letter sent to dealers, to inform them that the temporary investigation of Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Front Impact Sensors investigation has concluded.
TIN-17-23-001
Aug 2017
EquipmentThis is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to detail the procedures required after replacing a Continuously Variable Transmission.
TSB-17-54-004
Aug 2017
Electrical SystemThis is a Technical Service Bulletin, sent to dealers, providing updates to the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals, to provide replacement instructions when installing the new ETACS ECU to replace the old ETACS ECU.
TSB-17-14-001
Feb 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SENT TO DEALERS, PROVIDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODIFYING THE WIRING HARNESS AND REPLACING THE RADIATOR AND/OR CONDENSER FAN MOTOR AND CONNECTORS, IN CASES WHERE AN INOPERATIVE FAN MAY BE CAUSED BY A MELTED CONNECTOR AT THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR...
SRSINVNOV2016
Nov 2016
EquipmentTHIS IS A COMMUNICATION SENT TO DEALERS REQUIRING THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH MMNA'S INVESTIGATION OF POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR(S).
TSB-16-11-003
Nov 2016
EngineTHIS IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) THAT WAS SENT TO DEALERS. THIS TSB PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSPECTION OF OIL LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT OIL SEAL ON THE CRANKSHAFT, AND IF CONFIRMED, TO REPLACE THE FRONT OIL SEAL.
INVESTIGATIONRE
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS IS A COMMUNICATION SENT TO DEALERS REQUESTING COOPERATION WITH MMNA'S INVESTIGATION OF POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR(S).
TSB-16-22-001
Jul 2016
Power TrainTHIS IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SENT TO DEALERS, TO SUPERCEDE TSB−14−22−002, ISSUED JULY, 2014, TO REVISE SPECIFIC STEPS FOR SELECTING REPROGRAMMING DATA IN THE “PROGRAM NEW TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)” AND “REPROGRAM 2008 LANCER EVOLUTION & EARLY...
TSB-16-22-002
Jul 2016
EngineTHIS IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, SENT TO DEALERS, TO SUPERCEDE TSB-14-22-004 ISSUED SEPTEMBER, 2014, TO REVISE SPECIFIC STEPS FOR SELECTING REPROGRAMMING DATA IN THE “ECU REPROGRAMMING” SECTION.
TSB-15-23-003
Feb 2016
Power TrainTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, PROVIDED TO DEALERS, PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS TO REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE TWO PRIMARY PULLEY SHAFT BEARINGS AND ONE SECONDARY PULLEY SHAFT BEARING, IF A CLICKING NOISE (ALONG WITH WHINING/HUMMING), DIRECTLY RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED, IS...
TT218
Aug 2015
Power TrainThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT-218
Aug 2015
EquipmentMITSUBISHI: INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING VARIOUS ISSUES AS POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S DOOR, A/C COMPRESSOR ISSUES, PISTON SCUFF, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT OR INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM OR REPLACEMENT OF REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. VARIOUS MODEL YEARS AND VEHICLES. *PE
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
Fuel SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-15-23-004
Feb 2015
Power TrainTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, PROVIDED TO DEALERS, ADDS PROCEDURES FOR DISASSEMBLY, ASSEMBLY AND CLEANING TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS.
TSB-15-23A-002
Feb 2015
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, PROVIDED TO DEALERS, CORRECTS THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SETTINGS AND UPDATES THE SPECIAL TOOLS USED IN THE CVT HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TEST IN THE INDICATED SERVICE MANUALS.

Showing 60 of 96 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. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 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 →