Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has 6 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2009–2012; the most recent is 20V279000 (May 18, 2020) for structure, covering 2009–2010 models. The 2010 model year has the most, with 6.
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
Most Lancer Sportback recalls involve engine & cooling (2), visibility (2) and electrical system (1).
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 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 year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | engine & cooling | 2012 Lancer Sportback recalls |
| 2011 | 3 | engine & cooling, visibility | 2011 Lancer Sportback recalls |
| 2010 | 6 | structure, visibility, engine & cooling | 2010 Lancer Sportback recalls |
| 2009 | 2 | structure, engine & cooling | 2009 Lancer Sportback recalls |
Biggest Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
Lancer Sportback model years: 2009–2011
Lancer Sportback model years: 2009–2010
Lancer Sportback model years: 2010–2012
Lancer Sportback model years: 2010–2011
Lancer Sportback model years: 2010
All 6 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback recalls (newest first)
May 18, 202020V279000Structure2009–2010
Component: Structure (frame and members)
Lancer Sportback model years: 2009–2010 · 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.
Jan 26, 201818V071000Visibility2010
Component: Visibility (sun/moon roof assembly)
Lancer Sportback model years: 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 & cooling2010–2012
Component: Engine & cooling (engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys)
Lancer Sportback model years: 2010–2012 · 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.
Apr 20, 201515V233000Visibility2010–2011
Component: Visibility (defroster/defogger/hvac system, fan/motor)
Lancer Sportback model years: 2010–2011 · 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 system2010
Component: Electrical system
Lancer Sportback model years: 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 & cooling2009–2011
Component: Engine & cooling (engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys)
Lancer Sportback model years: 2009–2011 · 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.
How to check if your Lancer Sportback has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- 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.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback recall check.
Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback years to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback have?
6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback across model years 2009–2012. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 6. The 2010 model year has the most, with 6.
What is the latest Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback recall?
20V279000, filed with NHTSA on May 18, 2020: structure (frame and members), covering 2009–2010 Lancer Sportback models. The fix is free at Mitsubishi dealers.
What is the biggest Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback recall?
By vehicles covered, 14V562000 (Sep 12, 2014), a engine & cooling campaign covering about 165,923 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Lancer Sportback.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 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 SPORTBACK, 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.