This page covers 2 recalls, 29 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer.
25–30 mpg combined
7.8–9.4 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 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2016 Lancer complaints centers squarely on the transmission. Owners frequently report shuddering from a stop under light acceleration, RPM hunting, jerking, and delayed power delivery. A recurring symptom is the vehicle entering limp mode, where it struggles to exceed 25–40 mph and the transmission warning light illuminates. The diagnostic code P084A comes up across multiple reports. Several owners describe these symptoms appearing at relatively modest mileage, and some note the problems persisted or worsened after transmission fluid and gasket service. A smaller cluster of complaints involves vehicle speed control, where owners describe hesitation and inconsistent acceleration response. The transmission complaints account for the clear majority of what owners report, with the shudder-and-limp-mode combination being the most consistently described sequence.
29
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer has 2 recalls, the most serious involving defective electrical relays that can cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
The second recall affects vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT): under certain driving conditions, the transmission control software can cause a noticeable hesitation when the driver accelerates, which can make it harder to merge or respond to traffic and increases the risk of a collision.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
At a glance
What can fail
The continuously variable transmission may delay acceleration response in certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
