The Lemon Index
200820108th generation
Worse than average · most complaints: brakes
23 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2009 Honda Civic 812009 Toyota Corolla 2842009 Hyundai Elantra 46
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
- Rust / frame corrosion9 complaintsmostly at 78,000–100,000 miles (126,000–161,000 km)
- Headlights8 complaintsmostly at 98,000–115,000 miles (158,000–184,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 44,000 miles (23,000–71,000 km) (the middle half of the 21 complaints, of all 23 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V279000 (body structure), 18V069000 (engine) and 18V071000 (visibility) done? It has 9 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 118 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, provides instructions to remove the…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 23 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 14K to 44K miles (23K to 71K km) on the car (21 of all 23 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
I bought a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer in may of '08. I traded in my '04 Lancer at that time with 145,000kms. All original parts except for brakes. I moved to bc in aug '08 from alberta where I had bought my car.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer owner · NHTSA complaint 10254330
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 37.4M views · 2008–2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
Most-watched topics
- Gauges, lights & wiring708K views
Mitsubishi Lancer 2007-2017 service light resetAutoMotiv8ed · 550K views · 3 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors284K views
Mitsubishi Lancer - EGR Repair & Cleaning - 2007-2015MINUTE DIY VIDEOS · 107K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical260K views
2008-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Starter Motor Replacement (How to DIY)Valley Mobile Automotive · 93K views · 4 videos - Transmission & shifter253K views
ACT Clutch Install: 2008 - 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L and 2009 - 2017 Lancer 2.4LAdvanced Clutch · 133K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Cooling system137K views
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Thermostat ReplacementKendor Farms · 79K views · 2 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition77K views
Mitsubishi No start Issue 2009 Lancer Won't Crank...Clicks...Fixed...Peter L · 77K views - Brakes & ABS45K views
2013 Mitsubishi lancer ES brake shoes replacementSalgadation Jr · 45K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank41K views
Change Fuel Filter / Fuel Pump - Mitsubishi Lancer 2007-2015 / Proton Inspira.MYAutoDIY · 41K views
Before you buy, watch
Is the 2013 Lancer CVT any good? Positives and chronic problems.Carros do Xenão · 239K views
Top 5 Problems Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan 2008-2017 2nd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 107K views
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS CVT Hill Climb ProblemsDuffmasterFresh · 60K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2009 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 118 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, provides instructions to remove the…
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 9
- Body structure · recall issued 2020
The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from.
- Engine · recall issued 2018
The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
- Visibility · recall issued 2018
The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Show all 9 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2015
The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers.
- Visibility · recall issued 2015
In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
- Engine · recall issued 2014
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).
- Airbags · recall issued 2009
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, MAS…
- Fuel system, other · recall issued 2009
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES.
- Service brakes, air · recall issued 2009
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Lancer recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500–$4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Show 4 older years (2002–2007, YouTube reviews only, no complaint data)
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 9 Mitsubishi Lancer years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2009 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-lancer/?y=2009" title="Mitsubishi Lancer reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-lancer/2009/">Lemon Index</a> (2009 Mitsubishi Lancer reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew about one and a half times the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 142; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mitsubishi Lancer year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (30%), transmission & drivetrain (26%) and airbags (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
9 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
18 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 14,000 and 44,000 miles (23,000–71,000 km) (the middle half of the 21 complaints, of all 23 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2009 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 26% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 to $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Lancer year is better than the 2009?
Nearby, the 2008 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (somewhat fewer complaints than the average car). Across every year, 2010 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works