This page covers 3 recalls, 23 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer.
20–29 mpg combined
8.1–11.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer split fairly evenly across a few systems, with airbags and the powertrain each drawing the most reports. On the powertrain side, owners describe transmission-related problems including difficulty engaging second gear, sluggish acceleration from a stop, and the engine briefly stumbling when pulling away from a low-speed turn, symptoms that left some drivers feeling exposed in traffic. A handful of owners also report the active yaw control pump failing at relatively low mileage. On the airbag and restraint side, concerns include a seatbelt buckle that wouldn't latch properly. Separate from the mechanical complaints, multiple owners flag significant rear subframe corrosion, describing cracking and structural deterioration they discovered during routine inspection.
23
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer has 3 recalls, the most serious involving defective electrical relays that can cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving.
The relay defect sits inside the power distribution center and can interrupt multiple electrical circuits at once. An engine stall at speed removes power steering assistance and can leave the vehicle difficult to control, while a cooling fan that stops working can drive the engine to dangerous temperatures if the problem goes unnoticed. On the drivetrain side, vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission have a separate recall for a range switch that can momentarily drop its signal, causing an unexpected drop in acceleration. That sudden hesitation can catch a driver off guard in traffic or during a merge, raising the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
Faulty electrical relays in the power distribution center may fail, causing engine stalling, power loss, or cooling fan shutdown that could lead to overheating.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective relay(s) with updated parts.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Defective relays may cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective relays at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The range switch in the CVT may briefly lose its signal, causing the vehicle to suddenly reduce acceleration without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the CVT computer with new programming to prevent the signal loss.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
