Mitsubishi Lancer ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2002–2016)
Side-by-side reliability scores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Mitsubishi Lancer we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Lancer across generations.
Average Score
77/100
Best Year
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
Score 82
Weakest Year
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
Score 68
Every Mitsubishi Lancer Ranked
Sorted by reliability score. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A no-frills, economical compact that delivers basic transportation, but demands attention to critical maintenance and rust prevention.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Body & Chassis Rust
A fun-to-drive compact with a solid base, but the CVT is a major reliability wildcard that needs scrutiny.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Front Suspension Components
A simple, affordable compact that offers reliable daily transport if you can navigate its significant rust and electrical vulnerabilities.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Electrical System · Suspension Components
A solid, no-frills commuter, but age and environmental factors present notable risks.
Top risks: Rust and Corrosion · Front Suspension & Steering · Exhaust System / Catalytic Converter
A simple, affordable compact with good bones, but beware of pervasive rust and age-related wear.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Corrosion · Electrical System · Suspension Components
A no-frills, durable compact that offers solid value if you're prepared to tackle its age-related and rust-prone challenges.
Top risks: Body & Chassis Rust · Air Conditioning System · Suspension Components
A frugal compact sedan with a solid engine, but the CVT is a significant wildcard that demands thorough pre-purchase scrutiny.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System
A budget-friendly compact that excels with a stick shift, but its automatic variant and rust potential require a vigilant approach.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Body & Chassis Rust · Suspension Components
A budget-friendly compact car that can be a reliable workhorse, provided its CVT has been diligently maintained or isn't a factor.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Suspension Components · Rust & Corrosion
A simple, affordable sedan that's a gem with a manual, but a gamble with the common CVT.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System (Minor) · Suspension Components
A utilitarian sedan that provides excellent value if you can manage its known CVT vulnerabilities and basic refinement.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Rust and Corrosion · Electrical System
A diamond in the rough for the budget-conscious, but only if you confirm its automatic transmission history and scrutinize its body for rust.
Top risks: Automatic Transmission · Rust and Corrosion · Engine Sensors & ECU
A budget-friendly compact car with a strong engine, but the notorious CVT is a significant long-term gamble.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Electrical System · Suspension Components
A budget-friendly compact, but the CVT is a ticking time bomb if not meticulously maintained.
Top risks: CVT Transmission · Suspension & Steering Components · Rust and Corrosion
A budget-friendly choice that quickly becomes a financial headache if not properly inspected, especially for models with the troublesome CVT.
Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System · Suspension Components
Problems That Follow the Lancer Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Suspension Components
Appears in 8 model years · 53% of generations
Electrical System
Appears in 7 model years · 47% of generations
Rust and Corrosion
Appears in 6 model years · 40% of generations
CVT Transmission
Appears in 6 model years · 40% of generations
Body & Chassis Rust
Appears in 4 model years · 27% of generations
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Appears in 3 model years · 20% of generations
Automatic Transmission
Appears in 2 model years · 13% of generations