Mitsubishi Lancer Mitsubishi Lancer

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Mitsubishi Lancer repairs by problem area

Engine (28%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (23%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 278 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Mitsubishi Lancer engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (3%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (52%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 75 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Hatch

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

24180 mi

A $600
Engine has an odd sound when warm, in gear and running steady at 1500 rpm. Sound persists even if the car is stationary (but must be in gear and rpms >1500) 

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2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

24800 mi

$400
Repaired faulty O2 sensor 

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2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

44300 mi

US $600
Intake manifold needed to be cleaned as well. 
56200 mi

US $700
Oil pan leak 

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2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

148-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

3000 mi Car had trouble turning over twice cpu reflashed. 
100300 mi Check Engine Light and car jerks and hesitates when pressing gas at low speeds below 15 mph. O2 sensor code. Bank 1 sensor 3. Replaced one sensor and fuel injectors, but did not resolve the issue. Will be taking to mechanic next month. Car started shaking when accelerating. Turned out to be a cylinder misfire. Mechanic replaced all spark plugs and one coil. 

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

6900 mi Had oil and filter changed at dealer and a month later noticed oil leak from drain pan bolt. Took back to a another dealer and they replaced washer and did another oil change under warranty. 

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 CVT FWD

14240 mi

C $40
one tire repair 
53000 mi Oil control valves clogged and timing chain was off. Both were replaced. 

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

86180 mi A piece of the exhaust heat shield was rattling and eventually fell off. Mechanics advised likely not worth replacing so no work completed. 

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

43000 mi

US $45
The engine randomly would not start on a few occasions. Sometimes took 5 mins or more to get engine started. Found TSB online referring to a similar issue with 3 relays that could be updated to a newer version(Green color to Blue color). 

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Hatch

168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

44800 mi

C $77
oil and filter change. replaced oil drain plug gasket. had to re-tap drain plug in oil pan. 
70000 mi Check engine light showed a oil return sensor code. sensor was replaced but check engine light returned. it was determined that the timing chain had stretched and needed replacing. 
92480 mi TSB: serpentine belt and pulleys replaced 
120900 mi

C $50
timing chain area sweating - confirmed oil from pan leaking, fixed under extended warranty 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

31000 mi Check Engine light came on for 1 day. Vehicle Idling rough. Vacuum line at fuel pressure regulator replaced. 
15000 mi Occasionally the car won't start when turning the key. This especially happens when there is a 10 degree F or more change in temp between when it was shut down and when starting. Was told its considered normal. Presented with TSB stating it's normal. 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

70680 mi

C $150
Weld exhaust flange and replace gasket. 
86180 mi

C $700
Replaced catalytic converter (found a used part instead of buying new from dealer) and some of the attached pipes.  
18000 mi Engine blew out 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

37200 mi Spring kit on front of exhaust needed to be replaced. Louder engine noise under power. Quick fix, covered by warranty. 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 CVT FWD

125280 mi

C $900
Exchange O2 sensor near catalytic converter 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

46680 mi Exhaust manifold donut was changed due to rattling sound. 
78740 mi

C $500
Manifold leaking 
43500 mi

C $700
Catalytic convertor broken 
100440 mi

C $100
Had an EVAP/purge valve code come up. Figured it was fine as I did not detect any dirty filter/leaks in the system/gas cap. Replaced spark Plugs because I knew they were due and might effect exhaust. Within a week the error cleared. 
130900 mi

C $50
Hole / crack in exhaust midway to back. In between hanging bracket. Minor fix. 
148800 mi

C $190
Another crack within the exhaust near the cat. Was sleeved and repaired. 

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

30760 mi The 'check engine' light was briefly signaling that something is wrong. Diagnostics showed faulty Lambda Sensor. It only lit up once. Waited for the replacement part for about two months. 
50840 mi

$100
Oxygen sensor broke down, check engine light on all the time 

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 CVT FWD

60760 mi

C $125
Exhaust Pipe Seal 
12000 mi The fuel pump was stuck, therefore the fuel gauge read full. Mitsubishi failed to believe the claim though saying the gas was full. The car ran out of gas about ten miles down the road, and they towed it back to fix it under warranty. 
88040 mi Exhaust problem - corroded just aft of converter. They welded in a 6 inch piece for $60. The rest of the exhaust was still good. 
8680 mi Even I almost used my Lancer for 3000 km in 5 months, I had unusual issues during the preventive maintenance: 1. Battery water level was almost empty. 2. Engine coolant was dark. 3. Engine oil was dark and it was necessary add 1 lt. 
9920 mi Exactly the same issue... 1.Battery water level was almost empty. 2. Engine coolant was dark. 3. Engine oil was dark and it was necessary add 1 lt. 
22940 mi Jan. 14 -20C. left for med. appt. minimal power to wheels despite 4000+ on tach. Got car to 80K to med appt.30 K away. After, car worked fine but Eng lite on. Drove to dealer, 40 K. Told it was a sensor prob. Part ordered. Cost 2 days $80 car rent, meals. 
106320 mi

C $500
On the highway in a snowstorm the car gradually lost power and quit running. "Check Engine " light came on. Towed to Canadian Tire and repaired 
118000 mi

US $850
Oil pan needed replacing 

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

71000 mi

US $260
erratic idle, computer shut down most power, top speed of 15 or 20, would not rev past 2500. Used scan tool code 2100. Throttle actuator control motor was bad. Ordered reman throttle body from amazon. 
115140 mi

C $140
The car was operating roughly at low idle. When the A/C was on it stumbled and nearly stalled. They cleaned the intake and fuel injection system. The car operated much more smoothly thereafter. 
79000 mi Catalytic converter was going out but it was still covered under manufacturer's warranty since car had not reached 80,000mi yet at time of diagnosis. Therefore, the manufacturer covered all costs for full replacement of Catalytic Converter. 

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

152-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

6000 mi Fuel gauge did not work. 
58300 mi Cylinder head valves making loud sound 
51000 mi Engine check light on for oxygen sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 malfunction OBD Code P0144. I haven't done anything on it. O2 sensor was not fix waiting to reach 65,000 miles before fixing 02 sensor if it lights again I will have to change it. 
72000 mi catalytic converter 
23560 mi Major Oil Leak. Lost most of oil in car on side of the street. 
17360 mi

C $100
No torque till 4000+ RPM. Vehicle used to have torque @ 2200-4400 RPM. They say it's fine. Dealer will not service my car anymore so I have to go to a different dealer to get any work done. WEAK. CAI installed by dealer where I bought car doesn't fit properly. Put stock air box back on. My "pretend" lack of power and torque is still the same. WEAK. 

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

141-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

80600 mi

€70
Dirty intake. Car didn't start. Cleaned intake, sensor. 

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer / Evolution

Engine not specified

64000 mi

US $360
Oxygen sensor replaced. 
64000 mi After picking the car up from the shop wife alerted me to engine noise. Bearings and cam wiped out at less than 4900 miles over warranty! Purchased replacement 2009 engine with 15000 miles on it. Installation almost complete. Defective catalytic converter. Dealer replaced because it was warranted to 80,000 miles. Dealer waived diagnostic charge. 

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2008 Mitsubishi Evolution 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD

68000 mi Car was idling very poorly and backfired under boost. Dealer couldnt find the issue. Owner self repaired via detached vacuum hose on fuel regulator...again with forum assistance. Common problem on forums-loose fitting and sometimes during hard turbo boost it will pop off and the engine will run lean. Conclusion - dealer is worthless. 

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2008 Mitsubishi Evolution 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD

65260 mi

C $1000
valve timing cover gasket started leaking oil 
130200 mi

C $1100
Fuel vapor vent line connection from tank to filler neck had gone bad and started to leak. Replacement of filler neck necessary to fix problem. 
9000 mi Idle fluctuation and stalling, hesitation at more than half throttle. Computer reflashed, TSB 
12000 mi

US $180
Mass Air Flow Sensor was bad. 
12000 mi

US $130
Mass Air Flow Sensor 
13000 mi

US $30
Fuel Pump Relay 
5000 mi Occasional rough idle, ECU reflashed per TSB. 
14500 mi 2 recalls completed. Hood latch replacement and fuel system recall. 
4000 mi Car would buck and set check engine light code 1235. 
22000 mi Serpentine belt frayed 
60400 mi

US $200
Replaced all 3 accessory idler pullies with metal ones from a Hyundai Genesis because the old ones were getting worn. 

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2006 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

127300 mi

C $184
The balance shaft timing belt ( previously claimed replaced by mechanic) failed, taking out the main timing belt. Engine now runs, but has valve damage. will be digging into further when time allows 
128340 mi

C $500
Finally getting around to replacing bent intake valves, which occurred some time ago. 

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2006 Mitsubishi Evolution 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 286hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD

55300 mi Spring broke and valve dropped causing total engine damage requiring a long block rebuild 

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2006 Mitsubishi Evolution 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 286hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD

16000 mi

US $100
Exhaust Manifold Heat Shielding loose. 

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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Wagon

162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

90520 mi

C $300
Serpentine belt tensioner needed replacing. 

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2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

120-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

157000 mi

US $2800
Timing belt snapped on freeway. Car towed to repair shop. Estimated $1750 to repair head, but shop suggested to replace with used engine imported from japan for $2400. New engine mounts (4ea.)$450 extra 

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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

120-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

133000 mi

US $100
catalytic converter needed to be replaced but even after that, it did not pass the emission test. CEL still on. So finally, I had to change the car computer. The dealership told me it will need to be re-calibrated but because it was taken from exactly the same car, it worked perfectly. 

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2003 Mitsubishi Evolution 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 271hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD

166800 mi

US $500
Radiator needed to be replaced. Leaking from the top and bottom plastic areas. 
87000 mi

US $20
Changed spark plug 

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2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Sedan

120-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

220000 mi

US $510
Replaced fouled bank 2 catalytic converter. 
225000 mi

US $60
Replaced fouled spark plug and replaced other plugs and wires as preventative. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Mitsubishi models.

Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Mitsubishi Lancer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.