IllustrationFAILED NYS INSPECTION DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION AT THE FRONT SUBFRAM UNDER 90,000 MILES
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Lancer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
825–50K
1450–75K
1575–100K
15100–150K
4150K+
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
What owners actually said
98 reportsTHE BLOWER MOTOR WAS RECALLED, BUT ACCORDING TO MITSUBISHI MOTORS, MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR YESTERDAY AND HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART THAT SHOWS IT WAS RECALLED IN MITSUBISHI'S SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN SR−15−003 DATED JUNE 2015. I CONTACTED MITUSUBISHI DIRECTLY, AND THE REPRESE…
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THE BLOWER MOTOR WAS RECALLED, BUT ACCORDING TO MITSUBISHI MOTORS, MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR YESTERDAY AND HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART THAT SHOWS IT WAS RECALLED IN MITSUBISHI'S SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN SR−15−003 DATED JUNE 2015. I CONTACTED MITUSUBISHI DIRECTLY, AND THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL. THIS IS FRUSTRATING, AS I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE BLOWER MOTOR WHICH IS CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE RECALLED NUMBER. I BELIEVE MITSUBISHI MISSED SOME CARS IN THEIR RECALL. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN JUNE 2008, WHICH MAKES IT AN EARLY 2009 MODEL. I WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE NEW REPLACEMENT BLOWER MOTOR I HAD TO PURCHASE. I HAVE RECEIPTS AND THE FAULTY MOTOR.
HELLO I RECENTLY PURCHASE A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER GTS FROM A USED CAR DEALER. UPON GETTING HOME THE ODOMETER READS 158,054MILES ON CAR FAX, HOW EVER IN THE CAR IT READS 142,000 MILES, I BELIEVE IT WAS TAMPERED WITH PLEASE HELP.
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…
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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.
VEHICLE HEAD LIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER SAYS MY ETACS IS FAULTY. THIS IS THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT HAS FORCED A RECALL ON OTHER LANCERS. SR-15-002. I FEEL THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST BLOWER FAILED TO FUNCTION BECAUSE THE BEARINGS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. IN ADDITION, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST BLOWER FAILED TO FUNCTION BECAUSE THE BEARINGS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. IN ADDITION, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM A MANUFACTURER SERVICE CAMPAIGN, ALTHOUGH THE SAME PART WAS IN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A RECALL ON 2009 LANCERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JAN 12, 2009 AND JULY 6, 2010. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON MARCH 18, 2008. I FEEL THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE REVISED AS MY CAR HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS WHAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THAT WERE PART OF THE RECALL. THIS SEEMS MORE T…
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LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A RECALL ON 2009 LANCERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JAN 12, 2009 AND JULY 6, 2010. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON MARCH 18, 2008. I FEEL THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE REVISED AS MY CAR HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS WHAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THAT WERE PART OF THE RECALL. THIS SEEMS MORE THAN JUST A COINCIDENCE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE AND REAR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V232000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE AND REAR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V232000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V232000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A "SLOW DOWN" ERROR MESSAGE AND TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A "SLOW DOWN" ERROR MESSAGE AND TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
ACCIDENT 8/10/2016, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE WHICH ALLOWED ME TO GET TOSSED AROUND MY CAR AND IT FLIPPED 8 TIMES. NONE OF THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Official recalls
820V279000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.