The vehicle dossier US · 2009

2009 Mitsubishi
LANCERProblems & recalls

98 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 34 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 98 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components34 reports
Engine27 reports
Electrical system19 reports
Brakes16 reports
Transmission & drivetrain14 reports
Air bags8 reports
Suspension6 reports
Body & structure6 reports
Visibility4 reports
Fuel system2 reports
Steering1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
POWER TRAIN12
EXTERIOR LIGHTING12
SERVICE BRAKES9
AIR BAGS8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
SUSPENSION6
SEAT BELTS5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
EQUIPMENT1
TIRES:VALVE1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
VISIBILITY1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
STEERING1
WHEELS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Oct 24, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

75,000 miles is the median among 67 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 45,000–110,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

8 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 18, 2020 Safety recallSTRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERSCampaign 20V279000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Manufacturer’s stated response

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-20-003

Read campaign 20V279000 at NHTSA
Jan 26, 2018 Safety recallVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYCampaign 18V071000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.

Manufacturer’s stated response

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-18-003

Read campaign 18V071000 at NHTSA
Jan 26, 2018 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYSCampaign 18V069000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Manufacturer’s stated response

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-18-001

Read campaign 18V069000 at NHTSA
Apr 20, 2015 Safety recallVISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTORCampaign 15V233000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-15-003

Read campaign 15V233000 at NHTSA
Apr 20, 2015 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEMCampaign 15V232000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-15-002

Read campaign 15V232000 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2014 Safety recallENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYSCampaign 14V562000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-14-009

Read campaign 14V562000 at NHTSA
Nov 5, 2009 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 09V435000

Reported concern

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.

Read campaign 09V435000 at NHTSA
Mar 10, 2009 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVECampaign 09V077000

Reported concern

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-09-002

Read campaign 09V077000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

107 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Nov 21, 2025 OtherTECH TALK 289Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.NHTSA ID 11026481

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · SEAT BELTS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11026481 at NHTSA
Jul 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-22-001This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.NHTSA ID 10240446

This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10240446 at NHTSA
Jul 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALER LETTERThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.NHTSA ID 10240443

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10240443 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-00-004This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.NHTSA ID 10235609

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235609 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-00-001This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicl…NHTSA ID 10235608

This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235608 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALER LETTERThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.NHTSA ID 10235606

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235606 at NHTSA
Jan 12, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-23-11-001This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)NHTSA ID 10231410

This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10231410 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-22-54-003This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.NHTSA ID 10211530

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10211530 at NHTSA
Apr 9, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTIN-21-13-001This Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.NHTSA ID 10191961

This Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10191961 at NHTSA
Sep 3, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSR-20-003REV_2Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection an…NHTSA ID 10181899

Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10181899 at NHTSA
Sep 3, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTIN-20-SR-003REVTechnical Information Notice sent to dealerships to advise ofrevision changes to TSB "SR-20-003REV_2"NHTSA ID 10181898

Technical Information Notice sent to dealerships to advise ofrevision changes to TSB "SR-20-003REV_2"

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10181898 at NHTSA
Sep 3, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSR-20-003REV_2Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection an…NHTSA ID 10180973

Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers.

Components: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL · STEERING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10180973 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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