2011 Mitsubishi Lancer problems & reliability
34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles were involved in 11 fatal crashes with 7 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 24% |
| Power Train | 6 | 18% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 12% |
| Structure | 4 | 12% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 9% |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 9% |
| Steering | 3 | 9% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While driving the vehicle the headlights will turn off at random intervals. The passenger side rear tail light is out and remains out despite changing the bulb. Water leaks through a gap in the body into the light and the trunk. Headlights need to be reliable in order to ensure safety and visibility, especially at…”
Electrical System · filed Nov 22, 2022
“I got a service needed warning for the electric power steering and I lost all power steering... As it turned out, the rack and pinion was bad because the subframe rotted out where the rack and pinion mounts up and a custom built subframe and rack and pinion had to be installed on the car at a cost of almost $5,000...”
Structure · filed Sep 15, 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the front crossmember was corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Consumer called…”
Suspension · filed Aug 11, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
99 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. The 10 most recent:
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
TECH TALK 289 · Other · issued Nov 21, 2025
This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.
TSB-16-54-001REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2024
This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
TSB-23-22-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
TSB-23-00-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of…
TSB-23-00-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
TSB-11-66-001REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 7, 2023
This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
TIN-23-66-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 7, 2023
This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
TSB-23-11-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2023
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.