VehicleVerdict

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer sits mid-pack among Lancer years: 51 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), transmission (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

51

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Lancer years?

Lancer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted242 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2002: 194 complaints2003: 242 complaints2004: 96 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 126 complaints2009: 139 complaints2010: 66 complaints2011: 51 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 36 complaints2016: 38 complaints2017: 7 complaints
Lancer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1122%
Transmission612%
Electrical System510%
Body & Structure48%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Other36%
Seat Belts36%
Steering36%
Tires & Wheels24%
Suspension24%
Lighting24%
Brakes24%
Airbags24%
Seats12%
Fuel System12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%

Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

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

18V069000EngineJanuary 26, 2018 · 141,053 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

15V233000Visibility & WipersApril 20, 2015 · 76,958 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Consequence

Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE). HOWEVER, THE NEEDED PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 31, 2014

“THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR EASILY AS WELL AS JUMPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD AND 5TH IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING. ALL UPPER GEARS ARE DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO. THE CLUTCH FAILED TWICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 15, 2017

“CAR WAS PARKED ON THE PARKING SPOT IN THE EVENING. NEXT MORNING CAR DID NOT START FOR NO REASON. ETAC ECU FAILURE CAUSED A RETURN SIGNAL TO BE BLOCKED ON A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WIRE. ALSO WHAT WAS FOUND LATER AFTER A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WIRE CONNECTIONS CLEAN UP, THAT A COOLING FAN STARTED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 17, 2019

“I got a service needed warning for the electric power steering and I lost all power steering... As it turned out, the rack and pinion was bad because the subframe rotted out where the rack and pinion mounts up and a custom built subframe and rack and pinion had to be installed on the car at a cost…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 14, 2022

“THIS CAR WE OWN WAS IN A ACCIDENT THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS PUSHED IN CAUSE IT HIT A MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE GEICO ADJUSTER COULDNT BELEIVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR THE SEATBELT RETRACTED! THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED MY WIFE WAS THE SEATBELT FOR A SEC AND HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 18, 2015 · crash

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer — common questions

Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

It is close to typical for the Lancer: 51 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Lancer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2010, 2005. The cleanest record among Lancer years belongs to 2000.

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.