Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid
The Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2010, 2005 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.
1,139
Total complaints
19
Recall campaigns
1996–2017
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Lancer years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaints + open investigation | 242 | |
| 2002 | High complaint rate | 194 | |
| 2009 | High complaint rate | 139 | |
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 126 | |
| 2004 | High complaints + open investigation | 96 | |
| 2010 | High complaint rate | 66 | |
| 2005 | Open safety investigation | 27 |
Every Lancer year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 40 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 36 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 23 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 26 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 51 | 3 | |
| 2010avoid | 66 | 6 | |
| 2009avoid | 139 | 8 | |
| 2008avoid | 126 | 5 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2006 | 52 | 7 | |
| 2005avoid | 27 | 6 | |
| 2004avoid | 96 | 7 | |
| 2003avoid | 242 | 6 | |
| 2002avoid | 194 | 4 | |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mitsubishi Lancer years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2010, 2005. The cleanest year on record is 2000.
What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Lancer?
By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Lancer years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer have?
Across all model years, the Lancer has 19 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,139 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.