This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 28 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 28.
Owners have filed 28 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Lancer powertrain exhibits a pattern of critical failures that span automatic, CVT, and manual transmissions.
Automatic/CVT owners report transmission overheating at highway speeds (65–72 mph), signaled by a "SLOW DOWN" thermometer warning that recurs even after fluid flushes with correct CVT fluid. Once the warning appears, the transmission stops shifting and power drops, sometimes to 20–40 mph. One driver had to pull over four times on a 13-hour highway trip. A service bulletin addresses a defective transmission fluid dipstick but no recall has been issued. Check Engine codes include P0741 and shift solenoid faults.
SST dual-clutch models (Ralliart) lose even gears—specifically 2nd, 4th, and 6th—due to a shift fork magnet becoming dislocated. The defect occurs early in the vehicle's life and requires full transmission case disassembly. Owners cite a widespread petition and note the problem affects vehicles globally.
Manual transmission owners report clutch failure as early as 18,000 miles despite proper driving technique, and one found his rear seal installed incorrectly from the factory, spraying oil onto the clutch.
S-AWC pump corrosion is endemic in cold climates where road salt splashes the pump (mounted behind the rear wheel). Mitsubishi refuses warranty coverage, calling it maintenance. Repair costs run $2,000 and failures occur before 60,000 miles.
Hesitation, inability to accelerate, and transmission warning lights occur at various mileages, and some owners report faults recurring even after dealer replacement.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
CVT/Automatic transmission overheating and loss of power
Transmission fluid overheats during highway driving at sustained speeds above 60–70 mph, triggering a 'SLOW DOWN' warning with thermometer icon on the dashboard. Owners report the transmission stops shifting, loses power, and may become unresponsive. The condition recurs even after fluid flushes with proper CVT fluid.
When: 30,000–130,000 miles; some as early as 30K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise during acceleration; 'SLOW DOWN' warning with thermometer icon on dash; Transmission stops shifting; Complete loss of engine power while driving; Check Engine light and transmission warning lights; Vehicle slows to 20–40 mph unexpectedly on highway
Codes mentioned: P0741 (CVT pump/oil circulation failure), Shift solenoid failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed 'internal transmission issue' requiring transmission replacement; one owner cited TSB 10-23-005; another noted a defective transmission fluid dipstick (acknowledged by Mitsubishi via service bulletin but not recalled); transmission replacement costs not specified but noted as expensive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty: 10-year/100K-mile powertrain coverage mentioned; some dealers unable to replicate codes or unwilling to cover; TSB 10-23-005 referenced for sensor-related overheating issue
SST dual-clutch transmission (DCT470) even-gear loss and shift fork failure
On SST-equipped Ralliart models, the shift fork magnet becomes dislocated from its bracket, preventing the transmission from selecting even gears (2, 4, 6). Owners report loss of gears while driving, erratic shifting, and engine light illumination. One owner cites a widespread petition and notes the problem affects models worldwide including Canada and Australia.
When: Under 25,000 miles; one incident at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of even gears while driving; Check Engine light illumination; Unable to select 2nd, 4th, or 6th gears; Transmission in 'limp' mode with limited gear access; Gears jump and slip erratically
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete transmission case disassembly and rebuild by specialist; cost described as 'costly'; one owner parked vehicle without repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned; owner notes this is a 'known manufacturer defect' with a change.org petition started to address it
Manual clutch premature wear and slippage
Manual transmission clutch fails or slips excessively at very low mileage. One owner reports a factory-installed rear seal leak spraying oil onto the clutch, while another reports clutch failure at 18,000–20,000 miles despite consistent highway driving and proper technique.
When: 18,000–30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch slips when accelerating from stop; Clutch fails to engage in reverse; RPMs shoot up without corresponding acceleration; Clutch pedal ineffective during normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $600 for clutch replacement; another owner did not proceed with repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership covered rear seal and window under warranty but charged owner for clutch; manager/supervisor appeals upheld dealer position; no recall or TSB cited
S-AWC (all-wheel active control) pump corrosion and failure
The S-AWC pump has a corrodible housing and is mounted directly behind the rear wheel, exposing it to road salt and water. Owners in cold climates report the pump corrodes and fails, disabling both the active center differential and active yaw control systems. Mitsubishi does not cover this under powertrain warranty, claiming it is a maintenance item.
When: 20,000–60,000 miles; some failures reported earlier
Symptoms owners cite: AWC service light illuminates; Service Required light appears on screen; AWC light flashing or continuously on; Loss of active traction control and yaw control functions; Unsafe handling in winter/adverse conditions
Codes mentioned: C161E (ACD pump failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement pump and labor cost approximately $2,000; some dealers charge $45 diagnostic fee; some owners report dealers unable to duplicate fault at first visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi refuses coverage after 60K miles, stating it is not covered under powertrain warranty and is a maintenance item; one owner notes wrong type of oil used and non-durable material causing rust (design flaw claim); multiple owners report this is a widespread pattern not addressed by recall
Transmission hesitation and inability to accelerate
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate when pressing the accelerator, with Check Engine or transmission warning lights illuminating. Occurs at various speeds and during normal driving. May involve transmission replacement or persist even after repair.
When: 61,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate despite foot on gas; Hesitation in reverse and forward gears; Check Engine light illumination; Transmission warning light; Problem recurs after dealer repair
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was told transmission needed replacement; another had transmission replaced but failure recurred; one dealer was unable to locate the fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered in some cases; warranty coverage status unclear
Battery drain and electrical failure after transmission limp mode
After transmission loss of power and overheating, vehicle experiences rapid battery drain and will not move when shifted into gear. Battery goes dead overnight even with nothing left on.
When: Not specified; single incident reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows down on own despite throttle input; Transmission overheating and smoking; Burning smell; Vehicle will not move when in gear after restart; Battery drains overnight
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced battery; issue persisted; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
4wd service required light popped up immediately when accelerating. Acd pump may have failed. Mitsubishi does not cover this as it is not "part of the drivetrain". Can be dangerous when pump goes out. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 35,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 63,442. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Mitsubishi/Lancer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.