Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Problems by Year
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, across 9 model years (2004–2016). The 2004 model year has the most complaints (8). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No Lancer Sportback model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2004 Lancer Sportback: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2013 Lancer Sportback: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2010 Lancer Sportback: 1 complaint, 6 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 2015 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 0 | — | — | |
| 2014 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 0 | 4★ | — | |
| 2013 Lancer Sportback | 3 | 0 | 4★ | Unknown or Other | |
| 2012 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2011 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2010 Lancer Sportback | 1 | 6 | — | Structure | |
| 2009 Lancer Sportback | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2004 Lancer Sportback | 8 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Mitsubishi: all Mitsubishi models · Mitsubishi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2004 (8), 2013 (3), 2010 (1). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback?
Electrical System, with 5 complaints across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.