VehicleVerdict

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.4 times the median Lancer Ralliart year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 6 Lancer Ralliart years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 55% of all reports (18 of 33), far ahead of steering at 4.

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Lancer Ralliart years?

Lancer Ralliart NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted33 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 0 complaints
Lancer Ralliart NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer Ralliart years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1855%
Other412%
Steering412%
Engine39%
Electrical System26%
Suspension13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V562000EngineSeptember 12, 2014 · 165,923 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Consequence

If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

09V349000Fuel SystemSeptember 8, 2009 · 6,903 units

Defect

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.

Consequence

IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE TRANSMISSION TC-SST IS FAILING ON THE 2009 RALLIART FROM MITSUBISHI THE GEARS GO CRAZY ON ME AND JUMP AROUND AND GEARS ARE SLIPPING AND GETTING STUCK. OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME CAR HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING I THINK IT SHOULD BE RE-CALL TO GET THIS FIXED. IT CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 2, 2010

“I STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN MY DASH BEGAN TO FLASH A "SERVICE REQUIRED" LIGHT AT ME. AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION, IT TURNS OUT THAT IT IS AN EXTREMELY WELL KNOWN AND UNADDRESSED ISSUE WITH THE CAR'S ACD PUMP FAILING. IT'S A DESIGN FLAW THAT COSTS THOUSANDS OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 10, 2014

“2009 MITSUBSHI LANCER RALLIART PULLS HARD TO RIGHT AT ALL TIMES. TOOK TO DEALER THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. TOOK TO A SUSPENSION SHOP SAID MANUFACTURE SET CAMBER IS OFF. I HAVE WENT THRU MY THIRD SET OF FRONT TIRES IN ONLY 45,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 23, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER GAVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE WHICH WAS UNREASONABLE. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 2014

“I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN MY AWD SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON. STEERING /TRACTION ON THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY DIFFERENT AND NOT AS EASY AS NORMAL. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 17, 2013

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart — common questions

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 6 Lancer Ralliart years. It is one of the Lancer Ralliart years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Lancer Ralliart problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), steering (4 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer Ralliart years to avoid are 2009. The cleanest record among Lancer Ralliart years belongs to 2015.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.