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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls, complaints and safety ratings

There are 9 US recalls for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, and 11 in Canada. Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine.

9US recalls
0urgent recalls
98owner complaints
–overall crash rating

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Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.

Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

US recalls (9)

Structure: frame and members

2020-05-18 · campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline

2018-01-26 · campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

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 belt to detach.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

2018-01-26 · campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Electrical system

2015-04-20 · campaign 15V232000 · 53,396 vehicles

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, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, 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-15-002.

Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system, fan/motor

2015-04-20 · campaign 15V233000 · 76,958 vehicles

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, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline

2014-09-12 · campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

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, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

2009-11-05 · campaign 09V435000 · 29,353 vehicles

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, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.

Risk and remedy

Risk: THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.

Fuel system, other: delivery

2009-09-08 · campaign 09V349000 · 6,903 vehicles

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.

Risk and remedy

Risk: IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

Service brakes, air: supply, check valve

2009-03-10 · campaign 09V077000 · 39,711 vehicles

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 (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

Risk and remedy

Risk: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Canadian recalls (11)

Show 11 Canadian recalls

Structure

2020-05-15 · campaign 2020-216

Issue: On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front cross-member (subframe). As a result, a lower control arm could eventually detach from the cross-member. This could cause a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of control can create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mitsubishi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the front cross-member (subframe). If no significant corrosion is found, the dealer will spray a sealing and anti-corrosion coating both inside and on the cross-member. If significant corrosion is found, the dealer will replace the cross-member.

Visual system

2018-10-26 · campaign 2018-588

On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the wiper link rod with a countermeasure one, and will replace the wiper motor crank arm with a new one.

Electrical

2018-01-26 · campaign 2018-052

On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration. This could cause the drive belt to detach, leading to battery depletion, which would result in a loss of motive power and a loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auto tensioner with a countermeasure unit.

Accessories

2018-01-26 · campaign 2018-054

On certain vehicles, the sunroof may not have been bonded properly and could separate from the vehicle. This could pose a risk to other road users, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly.

Airbag

2016-07-29 · campaign 2016-382

On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, a mixture of snow, water and road-salt solution may infiltrate between the front impact sensor and the bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. Over time, repeated freezing/thawing cycles could cause a crack to develop in the sensor case allowing water intrusion and short circuit of the sensor. In the event of a crash, this could result in delayed deployment of the driver and passenger front airbags which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front impact sensor and replace it if it is found to be cracked. An updated designed bracket and cover will also be installed.

Lights and instruments

2015-04-17 · campaign 2015-165

On certain vehicles, the ECU which controls the head lights, tail lights and windshield wipers may have been improperly manufactured. This could cause the voltage in the ECU to become unstable and cause the head lights and/or tail lights to turn off and/or the windshield wipers to become inoperable. This could affect driver visibility and decrease vehicle conspicuity, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the affected ECU with an updated version.

Heater and defroster

2015-04-17 · campaign 2015-166

On certain vehicles, the blower motor may have been incorrectly manufactured. This could result in a premature failure of the blower motor which could affect the defroster performance resulting in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace blower motor and the power transistor as needed.

Engine

2014-09-15 · campaign 2014-397

On certain vehicles, the drive belt material may cause abnormal pulley wear. If the vehicle is driven under this condition, the drive belt may become damaged from the worn pulley and detach, affecting electrical charging system and cooling system function and would illuminate the engine warning lamp(s) on the instrument panel. This could result in battery depletion and an overheated engine, resulting in a loss of motive power. Vehicles equipped with a hydraulic power steering system could also experience loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive belt, and the pulley will be replaced if it is found worn beyond a certain level.

Airbag

2009-11-09 · campaign 2009-317

On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, the front impact sensors may corrode between the sensor bushing and sensor bracket. Over time, the corrosion may cause a crack to develop in the sensor case allowing water intrusion and short circuit of the sensor. This could result in delayed deployment of the driver and passenger front airbags during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of personal injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the front impact sensors.

Fuel system

2009-09-10 · campaign 2009-260

On certain vehicles, the fuel return pipe may develop stress cracking, under certain conditions, allowing a fuel leak to occur. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel return pipe and install two additional pipe brackets.

Brakes

2009-03-06 · campaign 2009-072

On certain vehicles, the brake booster check valve may stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle manoeuvres), there may be insufficient initial braking assist, which could temporarily increase the stopping distance. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve.

Owner complaints (98)

Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (11 crashes, 3 fires, 10 injuries reported). Among 18 model years of this model, it ranks #3 for the most complaints (median 30).

Most-reported problemComplaints
Engine22
Electrical system19
Power train14
Exterior lighting13
Service brakes9
Service brakes, hydraulic8
Air bags8
Suspension6

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR w/SAB–––4★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for each 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer version.

VersionCity MPGHighway MPGCombinedYearly fuel cost
Lancer 2.0 L Automatic (variable gear ratios)222824$2,800
Lancer 2.0 L Manual 5-spd223025$2,700
Lancer 2.0 L Automatic (S6)172520$4,100
Lancer 2.4 L Automatic (variable gear ratios)212723$2,900
Lancer 2.4 L Manual 5-spd212823$2,900
Lancer Evolution 2.0 L Manual 5-spd162218$4,550
Lancer Evolution 2.0 L Automatic (S6)172219$4,350
Lancer Sportback 2.0 L Automatic (S6)172520$4,100
Lancer Sportback 2.4 L Manual 5-spd202722$3,050
Lancer Sportback 2.4 L Automatic (variable gear ratios)212723$2,900
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.