NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
98 reports45,000 miles · Jan 18, 2013
Electrical SystemEquipment
I HAVE AN 09 MITSUBISHI LANCER ES SPORT WITH THE SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE. THE AMPLIFIER, WHICH IS UNDER MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, FOR THE SOUND SYSTEM STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED IT, AND A WEEK AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING AGAIN, BUT STOPS WHEN YOU POWER OFF THE …
Read full complaint
I HAVE AN 09 MITSUBISHI LANCER ES SPORT WITH THE SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE. THE AMPLIFIER, WHICH IS UNDER MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, FOR THE SOUND SYSTEM STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED IT, AND A WEEK AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING AGAIN, BUT STOPS WHEN YOU POWER OFF THE RADIO, IF THE POWER IS ON IN THE RADIO, IT CONTINUES TO SMOKE AND SPARK. I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE A WIRING DEFECT IN MY CAR THAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN AND FEAR THAT IF IT CONTINUES MY CAR MAY EVENTUALLY CATCH ON FIRE. DEALER WILL NOT LOOK AT IT AGAIN UNLESS I PAY $120 INITIAL FEE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493442
75,000 miles · Aug 6, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THERE WAS A WEIRD NOISE AND MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO RUN AN ERRAND AND WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR, MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD MY STATE EMISSIONS TEST AND IN TURNED FAILED BECAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RE…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THERE WAS A WEIRD NOISE AND MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO RUN AN ERRAND AND WHEN I GOT BACK IN THE CAR, MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD MY STATE EMISSIONS TEST AND IN TURNED FAILED BECAUSE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS WHICH HAS IN TURN CAUSED MY ABS LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT CAUSED MY SERVICE ENGINE. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES OR ABS AND NO REASON TO HAVE FAILED EMISSIONS. I'M WORKING TO REPLACE THE SPEED SENSOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469354
49,000 miles · Apr 6, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE AND THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
NHTSA ODI #10454375
55,000 miles · Dec 14, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC KEY SYSTEM FAILED AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE KEY COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC KEY SYSTEM FAILED AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE AND THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE KEY COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
NHTSA ODI #10439858
25,000 miles · Jul 28, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
I HAVE 09 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT, BRAKES NEVER ENGAGED SO I PULLED THE E-BRAKE, THE CR GOT OUT OF CONTROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10415579
30,500 miles · Apr 12, 2011
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER TIRE VALVE FRACTURED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BECOME FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VALVE WAS REPLACED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER TIRE VALVE FRACTURED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BECOME FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VALVE WAS REPLACED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. SINCE THE REPAIR, THE TPMS LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND HE HAD TO AD AIR TO THE TIRES EVERY 3 DAYS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,500.
NHTSA ODI #10395630
58,000 miles · Jan 4, 2011
Electrical SystemFire
I HAVE AN 09 MITSUBISHI LANCER ES SPORT WITH THE SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE. THE AMPLIFIER, WHICH IS UNDER MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, FOR THE SOUNDSYSTEM STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED IT A MONTH AGO, AND A WEEK AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING AGAIN, BUT STOPS WHEN YOU POW…
Read full complaint
I HAVE AN 09 MITSUBISHI LANCER ES SPORT WITH THE SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE. THE AMPLIFIER, WHICH IS UNDER MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, FOR THE SOUNDSYSTEM STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO REPLACED IT A MONTH AGO, AND A WEEK AGO, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, IT STARTED SMOKING AND SPARKING AGAIN, BUT STOPS WHEN YOU POWER OFF THE RADIO, IF THE POWER IS ON IN THE RADIO, IT CONTINUES TO SMOKE AND SPARK. I BELIEVE THERE MAY BE A WIRING DEFECT IN MY CAR THAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN AND FEAR THAT IF IT CONTINUES MY CAR MAY EVENTUALLY CATCH ON FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374680
500 miles · May 13, 2010
Exterior Lighting
FRONT LIGHT GET MOISTURE AND WATER INSIDE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330343
44,000 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Electrical System
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A POP NOISE. SMOKE CAME ROLLING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. I STOPPED AND LOOKED, BUT FOUND NO FIRE. NOW THE SPEAKERS DO NOT WORK AND THE BOX UNDERNEATH MY SEAT SMELLS LIKE SMOKE. THERE WAS NO FIRE, BUT DEFINITELY COULD HAVE BEEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325725
16,000 miles · Feb 10, 2010
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicCrashFire
2009 LANCER MITSUBISHI - BRAKE FAILURE & TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HR. ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. REPORTED - INSPECTED BUT UNABLE TO HOLD MITSUBISHI LIABLE BECAUSE THEY DID PUT OUT NOTICE IN MAY OR JUNE OF THE RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308413
Official recalls
8May 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
Illustration