What are the worst Mitsubishi Lancer years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Mitsubishi Lancer years are 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The year with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 2007.

Mitsubishi Lancer: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 2007

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

201630 complaints · 2 recalls 201523 complaints · 1 recalls 201219 complaints · 1 recalls 201134 complaints · 3 recalls 201052 complaints · 6 recalls 2009worst year98 complaints · 8 recalls 2008worst year91 complaints · 5 recalls 2007solid year2 complaints · 3 recalls 200637 complaints · 7 recalls 200524 complaints · 6 recalls 2004worst year91 complaints · 7 recalls 2003worst year199 complaints · 6 recalls 2002worst year148 complaints · 4 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.