2011 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls and problems

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
34
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

Recall 18V-069: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jan 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Recall 15V-233: Visibility

Reported Apr 20, 2015 · 76,958 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

Recall 14V-562: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine8
Power Train6
Structure4
Electrical System4
Seat Belts3
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Unknown or Other3
Steering3
Air Bags2
Exterior Lighting2
Visibility/Wiper2
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Nov 22, 2022
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 night and during inclement weather. My father is a retired auto mechanic and has been doing his best to troubleshoot the problem. I am experiencing financial hardship at the moment and I cannot afford to bring my vehicle anywhere that would charge. There are no warnings, the lights…
Steering · reported Sep 15, 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...
Suspension · at 72,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2021
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 the local dealer back for an estimate, part to be replaced and was given $1150.19. Dealer would get the parts in a week.
Structure · reported Aug 9, 2021
Routine service at 112 Mitsubishi Dealer/Service Center noted that my front crossbar was severely corroded and “coming apart in chunks”. They noted that this defect is known and was recalled on later model years of my car, but not my 2011. Considering it was recalled already and is the same issue, I would recommend and hope the 2011 model year can also be included in the recall. It is available for inspection through mid September when I expect to repair it. There were no warnings leading up to this discovery of the defect, as it is structural. I am not an expert, but I would expect this…
Visibility · at 90,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2020
The contact owns 2011 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the defogger failed to operate as air stopped flowing through the vents. The contact stated that the heater, air conditioner and defogger failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. Don herring north mitsubishi (4225 w plano pkwy, plano, tx 75093) was contacted and advised that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v233000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…

Other Mitsubishi Lancer years

Compare all Mitsubishi Lancer years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer: 18V-069 (engine and engine cooling), 15V-233 (visibility), 14V-562 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Owners report engine problems most often (8 reports), followed by power train (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,500 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.