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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-MITSUBISHI-LANCER
2009 · mitsubishi

mitsubishi Lancer problems

1 safety recall. 121 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
28 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
21 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
17 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
severe
lighting
9 reports · avg $250
severe
airbags
7 reports · avg $1,100
severe
suspension
6 reports · avg $900
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Lancer · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE…
12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668746.0
2009 Lancer · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V435000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
12/23/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667941.0
2009 Lancer · airbags Crash
I WAS ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF A PARKING GARAGE IN MY TOWN AND WAS GOING UP TO THE TOP LEVEL. AS I AM ABOUT TO TURN THE CORNER, I REALIZE I AM GOING A BIT FASTER THAN I THOUGHT. SO I APPLY FULL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES WHICH DID NOT WORK AS FAST AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO. THE TOW TRUCK…
12/21/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290578.0
2009 Lancer · electrical
THE ECU IS BAD AND THE HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING THERE IS MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS BUT THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ITS AN ISSUE AND WANT NEAR 1000 $ TO FIX THE ISSUE. WE HAVE HAD THE LIGHT TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIME CAUSING MY WIFE TO…
12/20/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162622.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 09V435000 05/11/2009

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

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 28 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 121 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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