Is the 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER reliable?

The 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER has 51 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER?

Top problems: ENGINE (11 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (6 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR. Contact any Mitsubishi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER?

The 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Mitsubishi LANCER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 36. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: i own a mitsubishi lancer evolution x gsr 2011. i purchased this vehicle on february 2013 brand new. by the end of september 2013 (7 months) i had about 15,000 miles on the vehicle and i started experiencing a problem with the acceleration of the vehicle. the gear was engaging properly but there was. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

11 complaints

22%

• I OWN A MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X GSR 2011. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 2013 BRAND NEW. BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2013 (7 MONTHS) I HAD ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THERE WAS
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE). HOWEVER, THE NEEDED PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NO
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL R

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I OWN A MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X GSR 2011. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 2013 BRAND NEW. BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2013 (7 MONTHS) I HAD ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THERE WAS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER

Based on 30 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 36K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS26/01/2018

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.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mitsubishi LANCER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Mitsubishi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 year powertrain not transferable

These are the terms for a new Mitsubishi. If you're buying a used 2011 LANCER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mitsubishi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 51 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I OWN A MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X GSR 2011. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON FEBRUARY 2013 BRAND NEW. BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2013 (7 MONTHS) I HAD ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND I STARTED EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE GEAR WAS ENGAGING PROPERLY BUT THERE WAS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW ONLY HAD IT A LITTLE OVER A MONTH,SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON,DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS MISFIRING AND FIXED. 2 WEEKS LATER SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN, CALLED AND MADE APPT. NEXT DAY I AM DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HEAR A LOUD GRINDING NOISE,TRANSMISSION BLEW. AND T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: RENTED FROM HOTWIRE AT SAN JUAN AIRPORT. CAR RENTAL WAS HERTZ. WHILE REVERSING FROM PARKING SPOT AT HERTZ LOT, ROACHES CAME OUT OF DASHBOARD. I STOPPED AT THE OFFICE TO CHANGE CAR. AGENTS WERE NOT CONCERNED. I ASKED FOR ANOTHER CAR WITHOUT THE BUGS AND IT TOOK SOME TIME TO GET ANOTHER CAR. I INSPEC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: RENTED FROM HOTWIRE AT SAN JUAN AIRPORT. CAR RENTAL WAS HERTZ. WHILE REVERSING FROM PARKING SPOT AT HERTZ LOT, ROACHES CAME OUT OF DASHBOARD. I STOPPED AT THE OFFICE TO CHANGE CAR. AGENTS WERE NOT CONCERNED. I ASKED FOR ANOTHER CAR WITHOUT THE BUGS AND IT TOOK SOME TIME TO GET ANOTHER CAR. I INSPEC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mitsubishi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)