Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 7 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 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.
Powertrain accounts for 27% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 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 ↗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.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
All wheel drive not working. Failed while driving in the snow, slippery conditions. There is a service bulletin on this. The AWD center diff pump is mounted behind the rear tire where debris is continually present. Replacing the pump is not a permanent fix. *tr
I purchased my vehicle with 200 miles on it at 700 miles took it in for latches and rattles. Since that hair every 8k mikes it needed a new clutch at 22k miles madter slave failed transmission started to give out at 28k miles. Please revive sawc every 1,000 miles I've owned that car Mitsubishi stated no problems found at this time. But it was very noticeable once driven. I worked for elder…
Car has only been driven just under 6 months with no abuse and with just at 10,000 miles the clutch failed. The dealer and manufacturer claim wear item. If the car had 40,00 or more miles I might accept, but they built a can with an engine that produces over 300 ft.lbs. Of torque, and apparently installed a clutch and pressure plate that does not have adequate clamping and holding abilities for…
The ayc/acd pump on my vehicle stopped working. Vehicle on has 33,000 miles on it. The failure of this pump is well documented on the evolution x platform. There is current recalls for other evolution x years that should be expanded to include the 2015 model. The failure is do in part to corrosion caused by the location of the pump and the ability for water, snow and salt to get on and into the…
CVT transmission; vehicle has 45k miles, no recall was recorded for my VIN but I clearly experience the stated symptoms of the communication loss between the transmission. When accelerating from a stop there is a brief "hesitation " failure to move. When highway driving, attempting to accelerate to pass there is also "hesitation ". My last concern unmentioned by the manufacturer is the…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 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?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 21,552 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 $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.