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2011 Mitsubishi Lancer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 27.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

20 reports with mileage · 14 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 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

34 reports
50 miles · Jan 17, 2019
Power Train

AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR OR HOLDING IT STEADY AND YOU APPLY THE PEDAL DOWN TO GO FORWARD THERE IS A DELAY AS IF THE TRANSMISSIONS TRYING TO FIND A SPEED TO GO TO. MY MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE ENGINE ALL COMPUTERS SYSTEMS ARE GOOD AND THE ENGINE RUNS FINE HE IS LINKING IT TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING A CVT AN…

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AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN YOUR FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR OR HOLDING IT STEADY AND YOU APPLY THE PEDAL DOWN TO GO FORWARD THERE IS A DELAY AS IF THE TRANSMISSIONS TRYING TO FIND A SPEED TO GO TO. MY MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE ENGINE ALL COMPUTERS SYSTEMS ARE GOOD AND THE ENGINE RUNS FINE HE IS LINKING IT TO THE TRANSMISSION BEING A CVT AND POSSIBLY A DEFECTIVE OR BAD DESIGN. THIS LONG DELAY HAS RESULTED IN CAUSING AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WOULD TRY TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR WOULD STALL OUT FOR THAT AMOUNT OF TIME THE ENGINE THAT'S NOT THE PROBLEM IT'S THE TRANSMISSION

NHTSA ODI #11170650

129,670 miles · Dec 2, 2018
EngineSeat Belts

"TAKATA RECALL" MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSR-18-001 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER18V069 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY DUE TO REPETITION OF HIGH LOAD OPERATIONS, THE FLANGE OF THE DRIVE BELT AUTOMATIC TENSIONER MAY CRACK, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT DETACHMENT. SAFETY RISK IF THE DRIVE BELT DETACHES, THE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT CHA…

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"TAKATA RECALL" MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSR-18-001 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER18V069 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY DUE TO REPETITION OF HIGH LOAD OPERATIONS, THE FLANGE OF THE DRIVE BELT AUTOMATIC TENSIONER MAY CRACK, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT DETACHMENT. SAFETY RISK IF THE DRIVE BELT DETACHES, THE ALTERNATOR WILL NOT CHARGE THE BATTERY, CAUSING ENGINE STALL, AND/OR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WILL BE DISABLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. REMEDY OWNERS OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED AND ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO REPLACE THE AUTO TENSIONER WITH A COUNTERMEASURE UNIT.

NHTSA ODI #11155408

88,600 miles · Aug 21, 2018
Unknown Or Other

PURCHASED 2011 LANCER IN 2011. IN MARCH 2013 MITSUBISHI ISSUED A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN AND REVISED IT IN JUNE OF 2013. THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND MUST BE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. MITSUBISHI DOES A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE ECM AND RESETS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IS MITSUBISHI IS SIMPLY LETTING THESE VEHICLES GET …

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PURCHASED 2011 LANCER IN 2011. IN MARCH 2013 MITSUBISHI ISSUED A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN AND REVISED IT IN JUNE OF 2013. THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON AND MUST BE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. MITSUBISHI DOES A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO THE ECM AND RESETS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IS MITSUBISHI IS SIMPLY LETTING THESE VEHICLES GET TO THIS FAILURE POINT AND VEHICLES CAN GO INTO LIMP MODE (MEANING DRIVE NO FASTER THAN 45MPH) RATHER THAN PROACTIVELY AVOIDING THE PROBLEM. FURTHER, THEY ARE KNOWINGLY ALLOWING VEHICLES TO GET PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITHOUT REPAIR THUS FORCING CUSTOMERS TO PAY TO HAVE THIS KNOWN ISSUE RESOLVED. TO ADD TO THE PROBLEM IS MITSUBISHI WILL NOT ALLOW NON-MITSUBISHI SERVICE CENTERS, MECHANICS OR REPAIR SHOPS TO UPDATE THE ECM AND I AM FORCED TO TAKE IT TO AN AUTHORIZED MITSUBISHI DEALER FOR FIXING. BECAUSE THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD OTHER SAFETY RECALLS AND WARRANTY REPAIR WORK, THEY SHOULD HAVE SIMPLY TAKEN 15 MINUTES TO UPGRADED THE ECM SOFTWARE AND RESET AT THE TIME TO AVOID THIS FROM HAPPENING RATHER THAN LETTING THE WARRANTY EXPIRE AND CHARGING ME TO FIX A KNOWN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11121215

68,533 miles · Apr 17, 2018
EngineWheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (TAINO MOTORS, CARR 8887 KM 7.5BO. SAN ANTON, CAROLINA, 00986, PUERTO RICO, 787-762-5000) WHE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (TAINO MOTORS, CARR 8887 KM 7.5BO. SAN ANTON, CAROLINA, 00986, PUERTO RICO, 787-762-5000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ROTATED. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V069000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). UPON CONTACTING THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,533. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11088595

40,000 miles · Dec 13, 2017
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR EASILY AS WELL AS JUMPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD AND 5TH IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING. ALL UPPER GEARS ARE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO. THE CLUTCH FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN 40K MILES THEN …

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THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR EASILY AS WELL AS JUMPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD AND 5TH IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING. ALL UPPER GEARS ARE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO. THE CLUTCH FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN 40K MILES THEN THE REPLACEMENT FAILED AFTER ONLY 1,000. NOT SURE IF THEY ARE RELATED.

NHTSA ODI #11054459

65,000 miles · Oct 5, 2017
Power Train

VEHICLE OPERATING AT >3000 RPM CVT AND ENGINE WHINE AND LOSS OF POWER.

NHTSA ODI #11031968

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2016
Steering

HI MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MHE 2011 LANCER WHILE SHE WAS TURNING TOWARD THE RIGHT TO ANOTHER STREET THE WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL TURN A LITTLE THEN LOCKED UP ON HER ALMOST STRUCKING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THAT HAPPEND SHE ALSO STEPED ON HER BRAKES AND DINT ALSO WANYED TO STOP. ALMOST CUASING HER AND MY SON TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. IT …

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HI MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MHE 2011 LANCER WHILE SHE WAS TURNING TOWARD THE RIGHT TO ANOTHER STREET THE WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL TURN A LITTLE THEN LOCKED UP ON HER ALMOST STRUCKING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THAT HAPPEND SHE ALSO STEPED ON HER BRAKES AND DINT ALSO WANYED TO STOP. ALMOST CUASING HER AND MY SON TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. IT HAPPEND ON A STATE ROUTE INTO A STREET. NEXT DAY CAR HAS A WIERD SOUND EVERY TIME U TURN LEFT AND STEERING FEELS FUNNY.

NHTSA ODI #10910096

90,000 miles · Dec 24, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or OtherCrash

THIS CAR WE OWN WAS IN A ACCIDENT THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS PUSHED IN CAUSE IT HIT A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE GEICO ADJUSTER COULDNT BELEIVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE SEATBELT RETRACTED! THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED MY WIFE WAS THE SEATBELT FOR A SEC AND HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ADJUSTER ALSO HAD SAID THAT THE SE…

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THIS CAR WE OWN WAS IN A ACCIDENT THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS PUSHED IN CAUSE IT HIT A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE GEICO ADJUSTER COULDNT BELEIVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE SEATBELT RETRACTED! THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED MY WIFE WAS THE SEATBELT FOR A SEC AND HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ADJUSTER ALSO HAD SAID THAT THE SENSORS FOR THE AIR BAGS WERE TRIPPED AND IT DID NOT WORK. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! GEICO IS FILING A SUBROGATION CLAIM AGAINST MITSUBISHI SINCE WE CALLED MISTSUBISHI AND THEY DIDNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MARIAS AT MISTUBISHI JUST SAID TO FILE A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE WITHOUT EVEN SENDING THEIR OWN PEOPLE TO CHECK OUT THE VEHICLE. MARIEAS CAN BE REACHED AT 18886487820 CLAIM NUMBER 1254613189. HE DIDNT EVEN HAVE THE COURTESY TO SEND HIS OWN INVESTIGATORS TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED! THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE MITSUBISHI LANCER WAS PUSHED IN AND WAS PRONOUNCE A TOTAL LOSS FROM GEICO. GEICO'S EXAMINER WAS JOSE MEJIA 3053079614. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED! MY WIFE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT WAS ON HER WAY HOME ON HIGHWAY 874 SOUTHBOUND.

NHTSA ODI #10816176

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2015
EngineVisibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V2333000 (VISIBILITY) AND 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V2333000 (VISIBILITY) AND 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10735443

62,000 miles · Jul 14, 2015
EquipmentVisibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON, IT BLEW WARM AIR AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON, IT BLEW WARM AIR AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10733982

Official recalls

3

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.

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.

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.