2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2002 | 148 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 80 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 91 |
| 2009 | 98 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2011 | 34 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 29 |
| 2017 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
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, 20180417
18% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
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, 20171213
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, 20120224
12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V562000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 15V233000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V069000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V562000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V233000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V069000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.