2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
20 of 29 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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
I HAVE NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH MY CARS ACCELERATION FROM A 0 MILE PER HOUR STARTING POINT TO A 30 MPH. IT IS VERY SUDDEN AND RANDOM. IT HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170418
4 of 29 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
4 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS NOW AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE VERY RANDOMLY I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ACCELERATION COMPLETELY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170324
3 of 29 total reports mention: engine.
1 of 29 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD SOUND, LIKE A GUNSHOT, AND MY SUNROOF SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO ROCK OR IMPACT TO MY CAR, IT JUST SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WITH GLASS RAINING EVERYWHERE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180415
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 (20 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?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
2 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.