2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2008-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, mitsubishi recalled 2008-2011 Lancer models built with 4B1-series engines because the engine pulley and belt arrangement that drives the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (where fitted) can wear abnormally. As the pulleys wear, the drive belt is no longer held properly and can come off the engine. The campaign also swept in the Lancer Evolution, and the 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart, so Lancer owners across the range should check rather than assume the sedan alone is covered. NHTSA lists 165,923 vehicles for the campaign as a whole, across every Mitsubishi model named in it. With the belt off, the alternator stops charging, the battery runs down, and the engine can stall — which is why NHTSA treats it as a crash risk rather than a simple no-start inconvenience.

On the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer, the 4B11 engine timing chain stretches over time, particularly when oil changes are neglected. Chain stretch leads to retarded cam timing, rough idle, and potential engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth on the sprockets.

On the 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, mitsubishi recalled 2009-2012 Lancer sedans built with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine because the automatic tensioner for the accessory drive belt can crack at its flange. Once the flange cracks, the tensioner no longer holds the belt properly and the accessory drive belt can come off the engine. With the belt gone the alternator no longer turns, so the Lancer runs on battery alone until the battery discharges and the engine stalls — a stall in traffic is why NHTSA treats this as a crash risk. Not every Lancer of these years is included: the campaign is limited to cars with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine, so a VIN check is the only reliable way to know if a particular car is covered. The campaign as a whole (all Mitsubishi models named in it, not Lancers alone) covers 141,053 vehicles.

On the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer, the Active Yaw Control (AYC) hydraulic pump on the Lancer Evolution rear differential is a known failure point. The pump motor burns out or the internal gears strip, disabling the active torque vectoring rear differential and triggering warning lights.

On the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L 4B11T Turbo I4, the Lancer Evolution Active Center Differential (ACD) transfer case develops internal failures, particularly under hard launching and track use. The ACD clutch pack wears prematurely, and the transfer case bearings can fail, causing grinding noises and loss of AWD function.

On the 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, mitsubishi recalled 2008-2010 Lancer sedans (and the 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback) that were originally sold in, or ever registered in, road-salt states for corrosion of the front cross member. Salt-water exposure from winter road salt eats away at the cross member, and once it is corroded enough, the front lower control arms can detach from it. Because the lower control arm locates the front wheel, a Lancer that loses one can go out of control without warning. The recall applies to cars ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia or Wisconsin — so a Lancer that spent a few winters in the salt belt and then moved south is still covered. The campaign as a whole covers roughly 141,200 vehicles across all the Mitsubishi models included, not the Lancer alone.

On the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer, non-Evolution Lancer models with the CVT experience premature transmission failure, with the CVT belt and pulleys wearing out between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The transmission develops slipping, shuddering, and eventually complete failure.