← New search

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 27.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

67 reports with mileage · 31 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports3 fire reports8 injury reports

Structure complaints

6 reports
Clear category filter
116,000 miles · Nov 23, 2022
Structure

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 m…

Read full complaint

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 ODI #11494679

155,000 miles · Aug 7, 2020
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)StructureCrash

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 C…

Read full complaint

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 ODI #11343807

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2019
StructureSuspension

RUSTED CROSSMEMBER, CONTROL ARMS, BRACES HOLDING THE GAS TANK. SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT THE RUST UNDERNEATH MY CAR (120K MILES CALIFORNIA VEHICLE) RUST MAY HAVE EATEN THROUGH THE METALS UNDERNEATH MY CAR AND IM SCARED TO DRIVE WITH THESE RUST PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY MIGHT FAIL WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A B…

Read full complaint

RUSTED CROSSMEMBER, CONTROL ARMS, BRACES HOLDING THE GAS TANK. SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT THE RUST UNDERNEATH MY CAR (120K MILES CALIFORNIA VEHICLE) RUST MAY HAVE EATEN THROUGH THE METALS UNDERNEATH MY CAR AND IM SCARED TO DRIVE WITH THESE RUST PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY MIGHT FAIL WHEN IM ON THE FREEWAY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A BAD ACCIDENT CAUSING MY LIFE AND OTHER PEOPLES LIFE ON THE LINE. I DONT DRIVE MY CAR NO MORE THAN 10 MILES ANYMORE DUE TO THIS RUST PROBLEM. THE PICTURE I PROVIDED DOESNT LOOK THAT BAD BUT LIFTING THE CAR UP IN THE AIR GOING UNDERNEATH WILL GIVE YOU THE IDEA OF HOW BAD IT IS. I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES THAT ARE ALMOST 30 YEARS OLDER THAN THE CURRENT CAR THAT I HAVE AND I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH RUST UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND THIS IS ACTUALLY MY FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND IM WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY. I HOPE THIS GETS TAKEN ACTION AND WILL GIVE ME ANY LEADS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11266592

92,000 miles · Sep 11, 2019
Structure

SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE DEALER HAS SUGGESTED I TOW THE VEHICLE HOME, STATING I AM A POTHOLE AWAY FROM A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND IT STRUCTURALLY FALLING APART. THIS IS A ISSUE THAT IS UNDER RECALL FOR UP TO 07 LANCERS THAT NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MINE AND OTHERS SINCE IT IS A ISSUE THEY CLEA…

Read full complaint

SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED TO THE POINT THAT THE DEALER HAS SUGGESTED I TOW THE VEHICLE HOME, STATING I AM A POTHOLE AWAY FROM A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND IT STRUCTURALLY FALLING APART. THIS IS A ISSUE THAT IS UNDER RECALL FOR UP TO 07 LANCERS THAT NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MINE AND OTHERS SINCE IT IS A ISSUE THEY CLEARLY FAILED TO ADDRESS IN LATER MODELS. VEHICLE HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE OTHER PICTURES THAT SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE RUST.

NHTSA ODI #11254746

94,199 miles · Feb 2, 2018
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIGGERS MITSUBISHI (1325 E CHICAGO ST, ELGIN, IL 60120) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE CORROSION WAS SEVERE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIGGERS MITSUBISHI (1325 E CHICAGO ST, ELGIN, IL 60120) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE CORROSION WAS SEVERE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,199.

NHTSA ODI #11066656

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2013
Air BagsStructureCrash

I ACCIDENTALLY REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR AND NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED, RATHER, A FAIR AMOUNT OF DUST FILLED THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10498454

Official recalls

8

20V279000 · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 18, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

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.

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

18V069000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Jan 26, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

18V071000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Jan 26, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

15V232000 · Electrical System

Apr 20, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

15V233000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor

Apr 20, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

14V562000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Sep 12, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

09V435000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Nov 5, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.

09V077000 · Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve

Mar 10, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.