2016 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 | 30 |
| 2017 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
70% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I bought this vehicle and few weeks later I noticed at a red light. When it turned green i hit the gas. My car took a few seconds, reved and then shot out into the lane.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Purchased the vehicle with only 59K miles in May 2024. Transmission immediately started acting up, hesitating, jumping RPMs, and delayed acceleration and loss of power.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240926
THE LIGHT STATING TO SERVICE MY TRANSMISSION CAME ON. THE MAINTENANCE MILEAGE WAS WITHIN STATED PARAMETERS.SERVICE WAS COMPLETED, TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED. DROVE AWAY AND THE LIGHT TURNED ON. MY TRANSMISSION FAILED IN APRIL OF 2019.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191002
13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240809
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles.
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.
Campaign 16V563000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles.
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.
Campaign 17V609000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V563000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V609000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.