2011 Mitsubishi Lancer

▲ Better than typical
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:04:16.196Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
34
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2011

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2002: 148 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 80 complaints 2005: 24 complaints 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 98 complaints 2010: 51 complaints 2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 19 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 30 complaints 2017: 6 complaints
1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2002: 148 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 80 complaints 2004 2005: 24 complaints 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2008 2009: 98 complaints 2010: 51 complaints 2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 19 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 30 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints
1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2000 2002: 148 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 80 complaints 2004 2005: 24 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007 2008: 91 complaints 2008 2009: 98 complaints 2009 2010: 51 complaints 2010 2011: 34 complaints 2011 34 2012: 19 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 30 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2017

2011: 34 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19961
20001
2002148
2003199
200480
200524
200637
20072
200891
200998
201051
201134
201219
20135
201416
201523
201630
20176

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

24% · 8 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated rapidly on its own without warning and there was a loss of power. The contact replaced the battery himself.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-17

Also filed under Wheels

Power train

18% · 6 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-13

Bought this car brand new only had it a little over a month,service engine light comes on,dealer told me it was misfiring and fixed. 2 weeks later service engine light comes on again, called and made appt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-24

Electrical system

12% · 4 reports

Structure

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Steering

9% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-10-15Engine and engine cooling14V562000 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.

    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.

  2. R
    2015-06-15Visibility15V233000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

    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.

  3. R
    2018-03-27Engine and engine cooling18V069000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V562000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 15V233000 · Visibility
  • Recall 18V069000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.