Mitsubishi Lancer reliability
The Mitsubishi Lancer fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 34.9% of 10,780 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
15 DVSA recalls for the Mitsubishi Lancer
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
The air bag inflator might have a different air bag deployment performance than designed providing less protection
The airbag inflator might have a different airbag deployment performance than designed providing less protection.
Fix: The driver side frontal airbag will be replaced with an alternate inflator.
Recalled models: LANCER · 19,699 vehicles
Activation of a non-dessicated ammonium nitrate inflator with degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture
Activation of a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflator with degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture.
Fix: Replace the airbag inflator (LANCER) or the airbag module (i) with a new non-AN (ammonium nitrate) based unit.
Recalled models: LANCER JT · 13,756 vehicles
Indicators and/or other vehicle lights may switch off or blink without warning
Due to poor connectivity the indicators and/or vehicle lights may turn off or blink
Fix: On affected vehicles apply lubricant to switch connections
Recalled models: LANCER EVOLUTION · 1,801 vehicles
Fuel may leak
The right hand side parking brake cable may interfere with the fuel tank. As a result there is possibility of peeling off the coating on the fuel tank. In the worst case the fuel tank can corrode and leak. Leaking fuel is a risk to other road users.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right hand side parking brake cable with a new one. In addition the fuel tank will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: LANCER EVOLUTION · 40 vehicles
Airbag may release shrapnel if deployed
Certain passenger side airbags the inflator might release shrapnel from the inflator container during deployment which could injure the passenger.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag modules
Recalled models: LANCER · 12,830 vehicles
Ecu malfunction may cause systems to become inoperable
During operation the headlights and or the windscreen wipers amongst other systems may become inoperable as a result a none conformity in the Electronic Time & Alarm System (ETACS) ECU.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the production date of the ETACS ECU. The ETACS ECU will be replaced if it is within the affected production dates.
Recalled models: LANCER · 3,076 vehicles
Loss of power steering assistance
Due to the use of inappropriate material for the drive belt on the 4B1 Petrol engine the nylon idler pulley(s) may wear at an angle. If this continues under this condition the drive belt will be forced off the pulleys. This can lead to battery depletion Overheating and on vehicles with hydraulic power steering the steering effort will increase.
Fix: Replace drive belt. Check and if necessary replace idler pulley(s)
Recalled models: LANCER · 3,885 vehicles
Head light and indicatos may fail
Due to a fault in the soldering process of the lighting switch circuit board it is possible that the solder on the lighting circuit switch can crack as a result of temperature changes during production. This can result in the lights or turn signals failing totally or blinking/flicker.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the switch and if required replace the switch assembly.
Recalled models: LANCER EVOLUTION · 1,074 vehicles
Clutch may fail
Due to a deficiency in the manufacturing process the clutch master cylinder may fail which will lead to the inability to change gear and the engine will not restart if turned off or stalled.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the clutch master cylinder with a modified unit.
Recalled models: LANCER EVOLUTION · 529 vehicles
Clutch may fail
The fixing clip for the clutch master cylinder pipe has insufficient clamping force to retain the pipe on the cylinder. This can result in detachment of the pipe and subsequent loss of clutch operation.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace fixing clip with modified stronger version.
Recalled models: LANCER · 9,903 vehicles
Fuel may leak
Fuel may leak from the low pressure fuel return pipe as a result of vibration causing the pipe to crack.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel return pipe for one of a modified type.
Recalled models: LANCER · 1,384 vehicles
Lack of brake servo assistance
It has been identified that after the vehicle has been stationary for some length of time increased pressure may need to be applied to the footbrake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is due to insufficient vacuum assistance within the brake booster due to a failure of the check valve. It should be noted that on the second application of the footbrake the check valve will operate as designed and the brakes will operate as normal.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake booster check valve replaced.
Recalled models: LANCER · 818 vehicles
Oil may leak
The Oil Cooler hose may fracture causing an oil leak
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check gap between towing hook and oil cooler hose. If less than 15mm install modified pipe. If more than 15mm check pipe for damage and if necessary replace.
Recalled models: LANCER · 3 vehicles
Inability to change gear
Due to insecure fitment of the pin in the gear shift control set there is a possibility that the pin could could fall out making it impossible to change gear.
Fix: Check the tightness of the gear shift pin if loose fit a new gear shift set. If the pin is tight a secondary locking arrangement will be fitted as a precaution.
Recalled models: LANCER · 575 vehicles
Active yaw control ecu concern
The Active Yaw Control ECU may be incorrectly programmed which may cause the clutches in the torque transfer differential to remain disengaged when the engine starts. This could result in damage to the rear axle differential.
Fix: Recall potentially affected vehicles and replace the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Recalled models: LANCER · 196 vehicles
Checking a Mitsubishi Lancer before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.