Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year

The Mitsubishi Lancer has 19 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2002–2016; the most recent is 20V279000 (May 18, 2020) for structure, covering 2008–2010 models. The 2009 model year has the most, with 8.

Recall repairs are free at Mitsubishi dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research

19
recall campaigns
2002–2016
model years with recalls
2009
most recalled year (8)
0
do-not-drive / park-outside

Most Lancer recalls involve air bags (4), exterior lighting (4) and electrical system (2).

Mitsubishi Lancer recalls by model year

Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.

Model yearRecallsMain componentsPer-year check
20162electrical system, powertrain / transmission2016 Lancer recalls
20151electrical system2015 Lancer recalls
20121engine & cooling2012 Lancer recalls
20113engine & cooling, visibility2011 Lancer recalls
20106structure, visibility, engine & cooling2010 Lancer recalls
20098structure, visibility, engine & cooling2009 Lancer recalls
20085structure, visibility, engine & cooling2008 Lancer recalls
20073suspension, air bags, exterior lighting2007 Lancer recalls
20067air bags, suspension, exterior lighting2006 Lancer recalls
20056air bags, suspension, exterior lighting2005 Lancer recalls
20047air bags, suspension, exterior lighting2004 Lancer recalls
20036suspension, exterior lighting, equipment2003 Lancer recalls
20024suspension, exterior lighting, equipment2002 Lancer recalls

Biggest Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.

  1. #1Exterior lighting06E023000Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehicles

    Lancer model years: 2003–2006

  2. #2Suspension16V458000Jun 23, 2016194,674 vehicles

    Lancer model years: 2002–2007

  3. #3Engine & cooling14V562000Sep 12, 2014165,923 vehicles

    Lancer model years: 2008–2011

  4. #4Structure20V279000May 18, 2020141,200 vehicles

    Lancer model years: 2008–2010

  5. #5Engine & cooling18V069000Jan 26, 2018141,053 vehicles

    Lancer model years: 2009–2012

All 19 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls (newest first)

May 18, 202020V279000Structure2008–2010

Component: Structure (frame and members)

Lancer model years: 2008–2010 · about 141,200 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Apr 5, 201818V220000Air bags2004–2006

Component: Air bags (frontal, passenger side, inflator module)

Lancer model years: 2004–2006 · about 17,120 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.

The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.

Jan 26, 201818V071000Visibility2008–2010

Component: Visibility (sun/moon roof assembly)

Lancer model years: 2008–2010 · about 56,641 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Jan 26, 201818V069000Engine & cooling2009–2012

Component: Engine & cooling (engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys)

Lancer model years: 2009–2012 · about 141,053 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Sep 29, 201717V609000Electrical system2015–2016

Component: Electrical system (starter assembly, relay)

Lancer model years: 2015–2016 · about 132,552 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

The risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Sep 14, 201717V569000Air bags2004–2006

Component: Air bags (frontal, passenger side, inflator module)

Lancer model years: 2004–2006 · about 66,001 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-321.

Jul 28, 201616V563000Powertrain / transmission2016

Component: Powertrain / transmission (automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm))

Lancer model years: 2016 · about 82,436 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.

The risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.

Jun 23, 201616V458000Suspension2002–2007

Component: Suspension (front, control arm, lower arm)

Lancer model years: 2002–2007 · about 194,674 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, 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 the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

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

The fix: 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 that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

May 23, 201616V334000Air bags2006–2007

Component: Air bags (frontal, passenger side, inflator module)

Lancer model years: 2006–2007 · about 38,628 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.

Apr 20, 201515V233000Visibility2009–2011

Component: Visibility (defroster/defogger/hvac system, fan/motor)

Lancer model years: 2009–2011 · about 76,958 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

The 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.

The fix: 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.

Apr 20, 201515V232000Electrical system2009–2010

Component: Electrical system

Lancer model years: 2009–2010 · about 53,396 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

The 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.

The fix: 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.

Sep 12, 201414V562000Engine & cooling2008–2011

Component: Engine & cooling (engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys)

Lancer model years: 2008–2011 · about 165,923 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Nov 5, 200909V435000Air bags2008–2009

Component: Air bags (frontal, sensor/control module-inactive)

Lancer model years: 2008–2009 · about 29,353 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

The 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.

The fix: 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.

May 11, 200909E025000Exterior lighting2002–2007

Component: Exterior lighting (headlights)

Lancer model years: 2002–2007 · about 42,540 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Mar 10, 200909V077000Service brakes2008–2009

Component: Service brakes

Lancer model years: 2008–2009 · about 39,711 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: 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.

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

The fix: 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.

Jul 17, 200606E064000Exterior lighting2003–2006

Component: Exterior lighting

Lancer model years: 2003–2006 · about 4,029 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

May 8, 200606E038000Exterior lighting2002–2003

Component: Exterior lighting

Lancer model years: 2002–2003 · about 724 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

The fix: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

Mar 13, 200606E023000Exterior lighting2003–2006

Component: Exterior lighting (headlights)

Lancer model years: 2003–2006 · about 292,000 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Sep 1, 200404V428000Equipment2002–2004

Component: Equipment (other, labels)

Lancer model years: 2002–2004 · about 100,432 vehicles in the whole campaign

The problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

The fix: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH OR APRIL 2005. THE NOTIFICATION TO THE NATIVA OWNERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL OR MAY 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

How to check if your Lancer has an open recall

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
  2. Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
  3. If a recall is open, call any Mitsubishi dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
  4. Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.

Or browse by year, for example the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer recall check.

Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid.

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer have?

19 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Mitsubishi Lancer across model years 2002–2016. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 19. The 2009 model year has the most, with 8.

What is the latest Mitsubishi Lancer recall?

20V279000, filed with NHTSA on May 18, 2020: structure (frame and members), covering 2008–2010 Lancer models. The fix is free at Mitsubishi dealers.

What is the biggest Mitsubishi Lancer recall?

By vehicles covered, 06E023000 (Mar 13, 2006), a exterior lighting campaign covering about 292,000 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Lancer.

How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer has an open recall?

Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any Mitsubishi dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised Mitsubishi dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.

Sources and method

  • NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the MITSUBISHI LANCER, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
  • Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
  • Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
  • Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.

More Mitsubishi recalls