2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ranks worst of 13 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 98 complaints tied to 8 recall campaigns. Engine (30%) and Electrical System (29%) issues dominate, and brake failures led to crashes and fires at low mileage, earning it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 13 Lancer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 98
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine29 (30%)
- Electrical System28 (29%)
- Brakes17 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (14%)
- Airbags8 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (8%)
- Other7 (7%)
- Structure & Body6 (6%)
- Seat Belts5 (5%)
- Fuel System2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the car at highway speed, in some cases leading to crashes and post-crash fires.
- Owners report the amplifier under the driver's seat smoking and sparking, even after dealer replacement.
- Low beam headlights reportedly cut off while driving, stay on with the car off, and flash on and off, tied to a failing multifunction switch and relays.
- Airbags reportedly fail to deploy in frontal or side-impact crashes, including one where a seat belt broke.
- Brake pedal reportedly offers no stopping power during turns or lane changes at moderate speed, forcing use of the emergency brake.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V279000May 18, 2020Structure & Body141,200 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
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.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V071000Jan 26, 2018Visibility & Wipers56,641 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine141,053 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Lancer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
- Among the 13 Lancer model years with data, 2009 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 98 owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the main problems with the 2009 Lancer?
- Engine complaints make up 30% of reports and Electrical System complaints 29%, followed by Brakes at 17%, which is tied to 8 crashes and 2 fires and a median failure mileage of 55,000.
- Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2009 Lancer, covering brakes, airbags, engine drive belts, an ECU, a blower motor, sunroof glass, and front cross member corrosion.
- Which Lancer years are safer than the 2009?
- The 2013 and 2017 Lancers carry the lowest complaint indexes (8 and 17) and Best verdicts, compared to the 2009's complaint index of 100.