2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 13 Lancer years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer has 98 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 13 Lancer model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (29 complaints, 30% of the total). Complaints report 11 crashes, 3 fires, and 10 injuries.
- Complaints
- 98
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 21 city / 27 hwy
Top 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
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 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ranks worst among Lancer model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 98 complaints and 8 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (29 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints), and brakes (17 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 75,000 miles.
- Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, most recently reported 2020, covering structure & body, visibility & wipers, engine, and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- EPA rates the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.