YearToAvoid

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

86/100

#2 most-complained of 8 Lancer years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer has a Complaint Index of 86 with 23 complaints and 1 recall, ranking as the 2nd worst year of 8 model years tracked. NHTSA data marks it 'Avoid' relative to other Lancer years, driven mainly by Electrical System and Airbag issues.

Complaints
23
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25.5
22.5 city / 30 hwy

Top 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System6 (26%)
  2. Other6 (26%)
  3. Airbags5 (22%)
  4. Engine5 (22%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain5 (22%)
  6. Fuel System2 (9%)
  7. Structure & Body2 (9%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers2 (9%)
  9. Seat Belts1 (4%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report dim headlights that made nighttime driving and animal detection difficult.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including rollovers and collisions with trees or lamp posts.
  • Bluetooth connections reportedly dropped repeatedly when paired with smartphones, disrupting calls.
  • Owners report the vehicle stalling suddenly at various speeds with no warning.
  • The area near the radio and cigarette lighter reportedly became very hot when a phone charger was plugged in.
  • Windows reportedly had a watermark etched into the glass that made it hard to see through.
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints: complaints filed per month4Nov 2015Aug 2016Mar 2017Sep 2017Sep 2019May 2022Sep 2023
35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2015 to Jul 2024; peak Aug 2016 (4).

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V609000Sep 29, 2017Electrical System132,552 vehicles

    Electrical system:starter assembly:relay

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

    Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22.5 MPG
Highway
30 MPG
Combined
25.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,550
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.

2015 compared with other Lancer years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Best05025.5
2014Good4316025.5
2015Avoid8623125.5
2016Caution7130226
2017Best146028

All Mitsubishi Lancer years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2015 Lancer a Complaint Index of 86, the 2nd highest (worst) among the 8 Lancer model years with data, so it carries an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years.
What are the most common problems on the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The top problem area is the Electrical System, accounting for 26% of complaints, followed by Airbags and Engine issues each at 22%.
Does the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 17V609000) covering defective relays in the Electrical System, with a free relay replacement remedy; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2015 Lancer compare to other years?
With a Complaint Index of 86, the 2015 Lancer ranks worse than the 2012 (29), 2013 (0), 2014 (43), and 2017 (14) model years, but slightly better than the 2010 (100) model year.
What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2015 Lancer is EPA-rated at 25.5 mpg combined (22.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.