Recalls
8campaigns
2 engine · 2 visibility · 1 suspension
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
98filed
Owner reports, 2005–2014 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
25mpg combined
$2,612/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
8 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (8)
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Lower Control Arm May Detach Due to Corrosion
Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Consequence
- A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
46.6% repairedof 141,200 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V279000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Belt Tensioner may Break Allowing Belt to Detach
Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
38.4% repairedof 141,053 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V069000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Sun Roof Glass may Detach from Assembly
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
- Consequence
- If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
26.8% repairedof 56,641 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V071000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Lights and/or Windshield Wipers
Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
- Consequence
- Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, 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-15-002.
54.3% repairedof 53,396 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V232000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Blower Motor may Fail
Visibility · defroster/defogger/hvac system · fan/motor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
56.3% repairedof 76,958 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V233000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
Drive Belt may Detach due to Worn Engine Pulley
Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
46.6% repairedof 165,923 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V562000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
FRONT SENSOR SAFETY
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.
- Consequence
- THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.
Repair progress not yet reported29,353 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V435000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not checked against your VIN.
BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE
Service brakes, air · supply · check valve
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.
- Consequence
- THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Repair progress not yet reported39,711 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V077000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (98)
98 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
11involved a crash
3involved a fire
10injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 22.4% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 19.4% |
| Service brakes | 16 | 16.3% |
| Power train | 14 | 14.3% |
| Exterior lighting | 13 | 13.3% |
| Air bags | 8 | 8.2% |
| Structure | 6 | 6.1% |
| Suspension | 6 | 6.1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 5.1% |
| Seat belts | 5 | 5.1% |
How 2009 compares with other Lancer years
Best and worst Lancer years →200524
200637
20072
200891
200998
201051
201134
201219
20135
201416
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 24 | 3 |
| 2006 | 37 | 4 |
| 2007 | 2 | 2 |
| 2008 | 91 | 5 |
| 2009 | 98 | 8 |
| 2010 | 51 | 6 |
| 2011 | 34 | 3 |
| 2012 | 19 | 1 |
| 2013 | 5 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 | 0 |
This year (2009)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined
25
mpg combined
22
city
30
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,700
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 356 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year
Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 | 386 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | $2,900 | 386 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 | 386 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2009 Lancer for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ
How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 20V279000 (suspension), 18V069000 (engine), 18V071000 (visibility), 15V232000 (electrical), 15V233000 (visibility), 14V562000 (engine), 09V435000 (air bag), 09V077000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (22), Electrical system (19), Service brakes (16) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2009 Lancer compare with other years?
Among the 2005–2014 Mitsubishi Lancer model years at least five years old, the 2007 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 2009 the most (98). The 2009 drew 98. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Was this report useful?Report a data error