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 ↗2011 Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 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
Powertrain accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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
Manual-transmission Lancers (especially Evolution X) show premature clutch wear starting around 15,000 miles. One owner's clutch failed seven months after purchase, and later inspection revealed a faulty clutch master cylinder that was subject to recall—but replacing it did not fix the clutch wear. Another owner had the clutch fail twice under 40,000 miles, with a replacement failing after just 1,000 miles. Mitsubishi denies warranty coverage for clutch wear, calling it driver-dependent.
The AYC/ACD pump (which controls all-wheel drive and stability) is mounted in the rear wheel well, exposed to road salt and snow. In winter climates, owners report pump corrosion and failure between 35,000 and 41,000 miles, causing the AWD system to shut down and the vehicle to revert to two-wheel drive. Traction and stability control stop working. One dealer reportedly serviced six vehicles with this identical problem in a single month. Repair costs run about $2,000 per pump.
Transmission problems include complete failures with grinding noise, delayed engagement during acceleration (causing at least one accident), inability to shift into specific gears, and jerking at low RPM. One owner's transmission failed just over one month after purchase, preceded by misfiring codes.
Warranty denials are common: manufacturers cite driver abuse, engine modifications, or design exclusions to reject claims.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch premature wear / failure
Clutch wearing out excessively early, often traced to a faulty clutch master cylinder. Owner experienced clutch failure at 15,000 miles (7 months of ownership) and was told it was worn beyond normal. Clutch master cylinder was later recalled and replaced, but the clutch wear problem persisted.
When: 7 months / ~15,000 miles; another case at <40,000 miles with two failures in that range and a replacement failing after only 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine ramps up several RPMs with delay before traction engages; Gear engages but no immediate wheel traction; Difficulty shifting into upper gears (3rd, 5th) while moving; Jumps out of first gear when taking off from a stop; Difficulty shifting into all upper gears
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement quoted at over $2,000. One owner had clutch replaced twice in less than 40,000 miles, with the replacement failing after only 1,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Clutch master cylinder recall (November 11, 2013). Mitsubishi denies warranty coverage for clutch wear, citing it as driver-dependent. One dealership refused warranty repair claiming modifications to the vehicle (Ralliart/Evolution) made it ineligible.
AYC/ACD pump corrosion and failure
Active Yaw Control (AYC) or All-wheel Drive Control (ACD) pump located in the rear wheel well is exposed to road salt, snow, and sand, causing premature corrosion and failure. This disables AWD functionality, forces the vehicle into two-wheel drive mode, and breaks traction and stability control systems. Multiple owners in winter climates reported the same issue; one dealer had serviced six vehicles with this problem in one month.
When: 35,000–41,000 miles; exposure to winter salt/sand roads accelerates failure
Symptoms owners cite: Flashing AWD/all-wheel control indicator light; Flashing tarmac/gravel/snow mode indicator on dashboard; Loud whine from pump at cold temperatures (around 20°F or below); Pump enters failsafe mode, disabling normal AWD and engine braking; Traction control non-functional in wet conditions; Service message: 'All Wheel Drive System service required'; AWD stops functioning, vehicle reverts to two-wheel drive
Codes mentioned: C161E (ACD pump actuator lock), C161F (ACD pump failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement cost approximately $2,000. One owner reported expecting to replace the pump every 3–4 years at this cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi denies warranty coverage, citing the exposed placement as a known design issue. One dealer refused coverage because the vehicle had an engine tune. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners; owners describe this as a 'very well-known problem' and 'apparent design flaw.'
Transmission shifting problems and failure
Multiple transmission issues including complete transmission failure with grinding noise, inability to shift into specific gears, delayed engagement, and jerking. One owner's transmission 'blew' with loud grinding noise just over one month after purchase, preceded by a misfiring service engine light.
When: Approximately 1 month–40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Delay in gear engagement at slow speeds when applying accelerator; Service engine light on (related to misfiring); Loud grinding noise, then transmission failure; Can't shift into 1st, 3rd, 5th, or reverse gears; Difficult shifting into upper gears (3rd, 5th) while moving; Jumps out of first gear; Vehicle shaking and jerking at low RPM (under 2,000); Car stalls out during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement or rebuilding required (cost not specified by owners). One owner's transmission failed shortly after purchase and was not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denies warranty, claiming the owner was 'racing and doing burnouts,' which the owner disputes. One other transmission issue (CVT) attributed to possible defective design by owner's mechanic.
CVT transmission lag and whine
Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) exhibits hesitation and delayed response during acceleration, and whining noise at elevated engine RPM. One case resulted in an accident due to transmission lag.
When: Not specified in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Delay in acceleration response when foot applied to pedal; Transmission hunting for appropriate gear ratio; Engine whine while operating at >3,000 RPM; Loss of power at elevated RPM
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs or parts mentioned by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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.
I own a Mitsubishi lancer evolution x gsr 2011. I purchased this vehicle on february 2013 brand new. By the end of september 2013 (7 months) I had about 15,000 miles on the vehicle and I started experiencing a problem with the acceleration of the vehicle. The gear was engaging properly but there was a delay on getting traction to the wheels. The engine ramped up several rpms before the car…
The ayc pump failed by displaying a blinking tarmac light. It constantly flashes while driving. The ayc pump correlates with the steering and stability control for the rear differential. This is a big hazard. The ayc pump should be relocated to the trunk compartment so it is not exposed to weather conditions like snow and rain. This will protect the ayc pump from failing. The warranty will not…
4wd system service required light came on with less than 40000 miles, this was caused by a malfunctioning acd pump. Pump is located behind the rear right side tire and is exposed to elements. Car was in new york state for 4 years and driven on snow/salted roads. Pump has corroded. This is a known problem with the ralliarts and evolutions. Dealership refuses to cover under the power train…
Vehicle operating at >3000 RPM CVT and engine whine and loss of power.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 29,999 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,999; a quarter make it past 69,000. 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/2011/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.