Mitsubishi Lancer Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)
The 2010 and 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100 and 86 versus 2013's 0 and 2017's 14. The 2013 and 2017 model years show the fewest reported problems and are the best picks among 2010-2017 Lancers.
- Model years
- 8
- 2010–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 184
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 19
- Fires reported
- 3
- Top problem area
- Engine
Lancer Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mitsubishi Lancer problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 51 | 5 | 1 | 6 | Engine | 23 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 57 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 25.5 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 29 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Good | 43 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 86 | 23 | 5 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 71 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 26 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Best | 14 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 28 | 4★ |
Lancer years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Index 100 · 51 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2010 Lancer has the highest complaint index (100) of all years covered and ranks worst overall with 51 complaints. Engine problems dominate, making up 43% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 93,000. Electrical system issues (18%) and brakes (14%) follow, with brake failures reported at a median of 48,000 miles, including cases where owners said the pedal did not respond during turns or stops. Six recalls apply to this year, covering structure/body corrosion, sunroof glass detachment, and engine belt tensioner replacement. Airbag non-deployment during crashes was also reported.
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Index 86 · 23 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2015 Lancer carries a complaint index of 86, the second-worst among the years covered, with 23 complaints. Electrical system issues lead at 26% of complaints, with a low median failure mileage of 3,500, including reports of dim headlights affecting nighttime visibility. Airbag complaints (22%) included failure to deploy during crashes, at a median mileage of 44,664. Engine and transmission complaints each made up 22% of the total, occurring at very low median mileages of 702 and 17,620 respectively. One recall addressed defective electrical relays.
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine55 (30%)
- Transmission & Powertrain52 (28%)
- Electrical System25 (14%)
- Other21 (11%)
- Airbags20 (11%)
- Structure & Body14 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (8%)
- Brakes13 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (7%)
- Steering9 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Mitsubishi Lancer years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010 and 2015 Lancer are the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 100 and 86, the two highest among 2010-2017 model years.
- What is the best Mitsubishi Lancer year to buy?
- The 2013 and 2017 Lancer are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 0 and 14 and only 5 and 6 total complaints reported to NHTSA.
- What are the most common Lancer problems?
- Across all years covered, Engine issues account for 30% of complaints and Transmission & Powertrain for 28%, making them the two largest problem areas.
- Does the 2010 Lancer have recalls?
- Yes, the 2010 Lancer has 6 recall campaigns, covering front cross member corrosion, sunroof glass detachment, and engine belt tensioner replacement.
- Is the 2015 Lancer reliable?
- The 2015 Lancer ranks second-worst among Lancer years based on NHTSA complaints, with electrical system issues reported at a median of just 3,500 miles.