Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer transmission reliable?

NHTSA data shows 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Lancer, 70% of all 30 complaints filed that year, with a median failure mileage of 69,000. This is a high concentration compared to other Lancer years.

Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have a transmission recall?

Yes. Recall 16V563000 covers 2016 Lancer, Outlander, and 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles with a CVT defect. The remedy is a dealer reprogram of the CVT control unit software, free of charge.

What transmission problems do owners report on the 2016 Lancer?

Owners describe acceleration hesitation, CVT slipping or limp mode, sudden loss of power, stalling, and full transmission failure, most often reported around a median of 69,000 miles.

How does the 2016 Lancer compare to other model years for transmission complaints?

The 2016 model year has 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints at 70% share, far higher than 2015's 5 complaints at 22% share or 2017's 2 complaints at 33% share.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, 70% of all 30 complaints filed for the year. A related CVT recall (16V563000) covers software reprogramming of the CVT control unit. Median mileage at failure was 69,000.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 21; 70% of 30
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 69,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe a hesitation of one to several seconds before the car accelerates from a stop, sometimes at traffic lights or stop signs.
Some report the CVT transmission slipping or refusing to catch gears, putting the car into limp mode and limiting speed to around 25 mph.
Several owners had the transmission fail entirely, requiring full replacement, with failures reported near 60,000 to 98,000 miles despite regular fluid changes.
Multiple drivers experienced sudden loss of power while driving, including on the highway, followed by stalling or the vehicle going completely dead.
Some complaints describe jerking or skipping during takeoff that made acceleration feel unsafe, along with intermittent service transmission and check engine warning lights.

When 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 24, 2017, latest Aug 6, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Oct 2019 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

NHTSA 16V563000Jul 28, 2016Transmission & Powertrain82,436 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Lancer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20051 (4%)
20061 (3%)
20070 (0%)
200811 (12%)
200914 (14%)
20104 (8%)
20116 (18%)
20126 (32%)
20132 (40%)
20146 (38%)
20155 (22%)
201621 (70%)
20172 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer transmission reliable?: NHTSA data shows 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Lancer, 70% of all 30 complaints filed that year, with a median failure mileage of 69,000. This is a high concentration compared to other Lancer years.
Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have a transmission recall?: Yes. Recall 16V563000 covers 2016 Lancer, Outlander, and 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles with a CVT defect. The remedy is a dealer reprogram of the CVT control unit software, free of charge.
What transmission problems do owners report on the 2016 Lancer?: Owners describe acceleration hesitation, CVT slipping or limp mode, sudden loss of power, stalling, and full transmission failure, most often reported around a median of 69,000 miles.
How does the 2016 Lancer compare to other model years for transmission complaints?: The 2016 model year has 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints at 70% share, far higher than 2015's 5 complaints at 22% share or 2017's 2 complaints at 33% share.