This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout diagnostics with DTC U0141.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Mitsubishi Lancer seatbelts problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $500 · see seatbelts across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 3 seatbelts complaints filed for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA seatbelts complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 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 seatbelts 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 Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. Customers may report the front seat belt fraying as a result of being caught under the seat reclining adjusting lever. This TSB instructs dealers how to replace the front seat belt and reclining adjusting lever (driver and/or passenger side) with a countermeasure part, to prevent fraying of the seat belt should it get caught under the lever, on affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, PROVIDED TO DEALERS, PROVIDES THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT SERVICE MANUAL. OTHER MODELS' SERVICE MANUALS ARE UPDATED WITH INFORMATION FOR THE OUTER SEAT BELT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT TO CLARIFY THE FRONT SEAT BELT INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL PROCEDURE.
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.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
"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…
Went to put child in car seat and the seatbelt won't retract back. *tr
Common questions
How serious is the seatbelts problem on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the seatbelts typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, seatbelts issues most often appear around 60,423 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $500 for seatbelts 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 seatbelts?
No active recalls currently cover seatbelts 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.