This is a Technical Service Bulletin that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Steering section of the affected Service Manuals to update the lubricant, sealant, special tools, and procedures used in replacement of the Tie Rod End Ball Joint Dust Cover, which are now serviceable parts, for vehicles with hydraulic power steering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Mitsubishi Lancer steering problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 4 steering 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
Of the 4 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 steering 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 that was sent to dealers. The bulletin updates the Steering section of the affected Service Manuals to update the lubricant sealant, special tools, and procedures used in replacement of the Tie Rod End Ball Joint Dust Cover, which are now serviceable parts, for vehicles with electric power steering.
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 ↗MITSUBISHI: ON SOME VEHICLES, AN ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) STEERING WHEEL SENSOR HAS BEEN INSTALLED, REPLACING ORIGINAL SENSOR. NEW SENSOR NOT TO BE ROTATED BEFORE INSTALLATION. MODELS 2007-12 OUTLANDER, 2008-11 LANCER EVOLUTION, 2010-12 LANCER/LANCER SPORTBACK & GALANT, 2008-12 ECLIPSE/ECLIPSE SPYDER, 2004-11 ENDEAVOR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi lancer sportsback. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the service engine light illuminated and the vehicle vibrated while turning the steering wheel. The contact had to exert excessive force in order to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) exceeded a…
Vibration of the steering wheel when driving over 60 MPH. Persist after changing tires, wheels, brake pads and discs. This shaking makes the car unstable and is a safety issue.
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 38,000 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.