Here Are The 5 Mitsubishi Lancer Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you in the market for a Mitsubishi Lancer, but not sure which year to choose? It's important to be aware of the potential problems that each year may have. From airbag malfunctions to visibility issues, we'll be taking a closer look at the years to avoid when it comes to the Mitsubishi Lancer. Keep reading to find out which years you should steer clear of.

Worst Years of Mitsubishi Lancer by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2003 195 2002 144 2004 80 2009 75 2008 72

What are the Biggest Problems with Mitsubishi Lancer?

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

FRONTAL > AIR BAGS 12 AIR BAGS 12 VISIBILITY 10 DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY 9 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8

The Mitsubishi Lancer 2002 has been plagued with several problems that have left many owners frustrated. One of the most common complaints is with the airbags, which have been known to fail during an accident. This is a serious safety concern that should not be taken lightly. Another issue is with visibility, particularly with the defroster/defogger/HVAC system. This can be a major problem during the winter months when the windows fog up and the defroster fails to clear them. There are also some unknown or other issues that have been reported by owners, which can be concerning. Overall, the Mitsubishi Lancer 2002 has some serious problems that should be addressed by the manufacturer.

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

VISIBILITY 28 DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY 28 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 19 CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN 17 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15

When it comes to the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, there are a few issues that seem to be causing some headaches for drivers. First up, there's the problem with the defroster and defogger, which can seriously impact visibility and make it difficult to drive safely in certain weather conditions. Then there's the automatic transmission, which has been known to fail and leave drivers stranded on the side of the road. And let's not forget about the clutch assembly, which can wear out prematurely and cause all sorts of power train issues. Overall, it's clear that the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has some serious problems that need to be addressed.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

ENGINE 12 SUSPENSION 12 STEERING 9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5 POWER TRAIN 4

Well, let me tell you folks, when it comes to the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, there are a few key components you want to keep your eye on. First off, the engine is a pretty important piece of machinery, so you definitely don't want anything going wrong there. And let's not forget about the suspension and steering - those babies can really make or break your driving experience. Plus, with all the fancy electrical systems in this car, you'll want to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. And last but not least, the power train is what gets this thing moving, so you better believe that's a crucial part to keep an eye on.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer

AIR BAGS 15 SUSPENSION 6 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3 SERVICE BRAKES 2

Now, this 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer, while it may look like a perfectly fine car, does have its fair share of issues. The air bags have been known to malfunction, the suspension can be a bit finicky, and the vehicle speed control can be a bit unresponsive at times. However, it does have some selling points, such as its sleek exterior lighting and reliable service brakes.

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

AIR BAGS 9 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1 STRUCTURE 1 SUSPENSION 1 BODY > STRUCTURE 1

This 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer is a fun and sporty car to drive, with a sleek design and responsive handling. However, it has a few notable problems, including faulty air bags, electrical system issues, and weak suspension and body structure. While it may be a decent choice for a budget-friendly sports car, it's important to be aware of these potential issues before making a purchase.

Common Issues with Mitsubishi Lancer

AIR BAGS 81 ENGINE 61 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 52 VISIBILITY 46 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 45 SUSPENSION 45 POWER TRAIN 45 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 29 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 26 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 24

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Conclusion

Mitsubishi Lancer has been plagued with various problems across multiple years. Owners of the 2002 model have reported issues with the frontal airbags, while the 2003 model has had problems with visibility and the defroster/defogger/HVAC system. The 2008 model has been affected by engine, suspension, steering, electrical system, and powertrain issues. The 2006 model has had problems with airbags, suspension, vehicle speed control, exterior lighting, and service brakes. Finally, the 2005 model has had issues with airbags, electrical system, structure, suspension, and body structure.