MotorDeets

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Lancer Sportback from 2004 to 2013: 12 owner complaints and 12 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (8), 2013 (3), 2010 (1). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2013).

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Photo: Dicky0615 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical5
Other / unknown5
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Engine & cooling1
Speed control / throttle1
Visibility/Wiper1
Airbags1
Exterior lights1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20040822
20092023
20106123
20113027
20121027
20130327

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (8), 2013 (3), 2010 (1).

How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback had?

Across 2004–2013, NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).