Free Preview
#BS-2016-MITLAN-77802016 Mitsubishi LancerProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 40 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 40 complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, and 2 recalls.
Top reported problems
transmission failure
2 complaints • Severity 8/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
21 owners reported drivetrain issues — failures commonly reported around 60K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (6 reports) • Median: 60K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Drivetrain (21 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 53% of all reports filed for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, with 21 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 60,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 60K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Speed Control Issues
Speed Control complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to speed control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Electrical overstress
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
The worst model year for the Mitsubishi Lancer is the 2011 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. Class Average (Compact Cars)
This vehicle
40
Class avg
77
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical compact cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 40 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Mitsubishi Lancer Model Years
View all Mitsubishi Lancer years →2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
How safe is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
How much does it cost to fix 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?
Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
What mileage do Mitsubishi Lancer problems start?
When was the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 40 owner reports. Know before you buy.