VehicleVerdict

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer sits mid-pack among Lancer years: 38 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 53% of all reports (20 of 38), far ahead of electrical system at 4. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

38

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Lancer years?

Lancer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2053%
Electrical System411%
Speed Control411%
Engine38%
Other38%
Body & Structure25%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

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

17V609000Electrical SystemSeptember 29, 2017 · 132,552 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V563000TransmissionJuly 28, 2016 · 82,436 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving on the way home, my car started to skip and jerking. Went to Mitsubishi and told me I needed a whole new transmission replacement on a 2016 Lancer with only 81,000 miles on it. It seemed to never catch up to speed smoothly. Which I was terrified I was going to wreck otw home that day. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 8, 2021

“The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated he was not sure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to his…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 5, 2022

“I purchased this car in 2016 brand new from the dealer. Have kept up with its maintenance but in the past couple of months, the car is not taking off. What I mean by that is that the transmission slips and won't allow the car to gain speed there is a delay in the car accelerating. This is the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 15, 2023

“2016 SE 2.4L AWC. Purchased car in February 2022 at 66k miles. In December of 2022 at 78k miles, car lost majority power while traveling at 40 MPH, threw 'Tranmission Servie Required' warning light. Drove 3 blocks home, parked for 2 hours. Turned car on and drove normally without lights. Previous…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2022

“I've had the vehicle for 7 years and after inspection performed by the dealer, there is so much subframe rot that my car will not pass the next inspection due in April. I've contacted Mitsubishi and they said there is nothing they can do as there isn't any recall. This model of Mitsubishi has had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 18, 2024

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer — common questions

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

It is close to typical for the Lancer: 38 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2016 Lancer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (20 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.