This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Mitsubishi Lancer electrical problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 3 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
Of the 6 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer we track for electrical problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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 electrical 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 contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them Owner Manuals (OM) are now available electronically beginning with Model Year 2015.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB updates the Interior and Supplemental Restraint System sections of the affected Service Manuals to update the Side Airbag Replacement Procedure. These changes are being made because the Side Airbag Module is now available as a single unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the RPM increased from 2,000 to 5,000. Additionally, speedometer became inoperable, he brake was not working as designed, and the Service Transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The contact called…
The car doesnt crank and we have to wait like 2 or 3 min and then will crank but struggling.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 84,000 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.