Mitsubishi Lancer — the 8 years we've written up
2010–2017, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 8 of the 8 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 8 Mitsubishi Lancer model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Mitsubishi built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Mitsubishi Lancer by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
CVT shudders and surges — 'rubber banding' — and dealers quote a full replacement — $200–$450 for a fluid service; $3,200–$5,200 for a replacement CVT
CVT shudders, jerks and can fail outright between 60,000 and 100,000 miles — $3,200–$5,200 for a replacement CVT
Transmission hesitates from a stop, or loses a gear and just revs — $200–$450 for a fluid service; $3,200–$5,200 for a replacement CVT
CVT hesitates from a stop, flashes a 'slow down' message, or will not move when cold — $200–$450 for a fluid service; $3,200–$5,200 for a replacement CVT
CVT durability — $3,000-$4,000
Front subframe can rust through and let a control arm drop — a salt-belt car's worst fault — $1,200–$2,800 for a subframe replacement, plus alignment
CVT hesitates from low speed and whines above 3,000 rpm — $200–$400 for a fluid service; $3,000–$4,800 for a replacement CVT
Accessory drive belt can come off and stall the engine — two separate recalls — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Mitsubishi Lancer in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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