Total Complaints
139 filings
MITSUBISHI LANCER · model year
139 NHTSA complaints, 23 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2009MITSUBISHILANCER carries 139 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 23 crashes, 4 fires, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 LANCER is engine with 22 filings, followed by electrical system (19) and power train (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2009 LANCER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
139 filings
Crashes Reported
23 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 22 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 |
| SEAT BELTS | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR | 2 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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 b
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17,
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
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,
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, M
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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,
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VER
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK,
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
I was driving down the road and spun out of control because my rack and pinion steering inner and outer tie rod snapped in half, because of rust from salt water and corrosion on the metal, resulting in my loss of control and front passenger wheel turned 90 degrees inward and nearly ripped the front tire off and under the car, brought the car home and inspected it tthoroughly, and saw the immediate problem
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights turned off and turned on independently, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V232000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights turned off and turned on independently, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V232000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldnât pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldnât understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldnât move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldnât pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldnât understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldnât move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
The car started to slow down on its own even when my foot was on the gas it wouldnât pick up speed over 20mph then it started to over heat, then smoke. It sounded like sparks like from a firecracker and smelt like something was burning to the point I had to pull over and turn the car off so my children and I could get out and breathe. When I restarted it turned on but would not drive when put into gear. I had it towed and the next day I tried again only this time the battery was dead and nothing was left on in the car I couldnât understand how this happened so I bought a new battery put it in and it started still wouldnât move though so I gave it a few days went to try again and the new battery was dead like something was draining all the power.
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while the vehicle was having a routine oil change at the dealer, the mechanic stated that rear crossmember bar was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was informed that the front crossmember bar needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 116,000. The consumer stated while the mechanic was attempting to change the front cross member started taking the front end apart, he said he had stripped a bolt on the catalytic converter. Also, the dealer charged the consumer for a new catalytic converter without permission. A new appointment was made on 12/14/2022 to fix the damages at their cost.
Mileage: 116,000
My brake light are no longer working and it is not because of a bulb I replaced all of them and they still do not work. And also my cruise control turns on and off but it will not set a speed
My brake light are no longer working and it is not because of a bulb I replaced all of them and they still do not work. And also my cruise control turns on and off but it will not set a speed
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that after the vehicle had sat for over five days undriven, the vehicle had to be jump started. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Bluetooth connection module was draining the battery and that the module needed to be removed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Mileage: 70,000
THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR PARKED AND RUNNING. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG MODULE THRU 2007 LANCER. MINE HAS 71K MILES. IS THERE A RECALL IN THE WORKS FOR 2009 MODELS?
Mileage: 70,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED UPON DEPRESSION AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP HIS BRAKES REPEATEDLY IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HE ALSO APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FOR ASSISTANCE BEFORE HITTING A TREE STUMP. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A TWEAK IN HIS RIGHT SHOULDER BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT NEEDED AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO LOW IMPACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE TO ROSEVILLE AUTOMALL(700 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) AND THE MANUFACTURER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V077000(SERVICE BRAKES, AIR); THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT*JB
Mileage: 110,000
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
HAVING NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MINUTES ON THE FREEWAY OR ELSE MY CAR STARTS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND LOSES POWER SHIFTING AT HIGH RPMS
SUB FRAME IS BAD ON THE CAR. HAD 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AND STATE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CALLED MITSUBISHI MOTORS AND DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES NO RESOLUTION...
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE STILL OPERATING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE ECU, PART NUMBER 8637C096 IS WHAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR A 2009 LANCER, SR-15-002, FOR THE ECU BUT BECAUSE OF THE PART NUMBER (8637A826) DIFFERENCE THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ECU THAT IS FAULTY. UPON FURTHER PERSONAL INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ECU FOR LANCERS;10091781, 10158957, 10142736, 10117850, 10158956, 10158955, 10142736, 10158957. SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HAVE REPORTED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE. (HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MITSUBISHI/LANCER/2009/ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML) PART NUMBERS ARE "NOT TYPICALLY GIVEN OUT" I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2020. THE REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER I WAS GIVEN WOULD BE 8637C496. HOWEVER, THIS PART MUST BE PROGRAMME
Mileage: 135,093
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE STILL OPERATING. THE CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE ECU, PART NUMBER 8637C096 IS WHAT IS IN MY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR A 2009 LANCER, SR-15-002, FOR THE ECU BUT BECAUSE OF THE PART NUMBER (8637A826) DIFFERENCE THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE MY ECU THAT IS FAULTY. UPON FURTHER PERSONAL INVESTIGATION I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THE ECU FOR LANCERS;10091781, 10158957, 10142736, 10117850, 10158956, 10158955, 10142736, 10158957. SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS HAVE REPORTED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE. (HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/MITSUBISHI/LANCER/2009/ELECTRICAL/ELECTRICAL_SYSTEM.SHTML) PART NUMBERS ARE "NOT TYPICALLY GIVEN OUT" I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2020. THE REPLACEMENT PART NUMBER I WAS GIVEN WOULD BE 8637C496. HOWEVER, THIS PART MUST BE PROGRAMME
Mileage: 135,093
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.