2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. Newest first.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Certain alfaotto combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Alfaotto will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began on may 10, 2006. owners may contact alfaotto at 626-656-2992 or visit their website at www.alfaotto.com.
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. in addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. this recall IS expected to begin during march or april 2005. the notification to the nativa owners IS expected to begin during april or may 2005. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Owner complaints
148 complaints32 involved a crash1 involved a fire22 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she felt an air draft inside of the vehicle. The contact's daughter attempted to close the sunroof when she noticed that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle.…
The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she felt an air draft inside of the vehicle. The contact's daughter attempted to close the sunroof when she noticed that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the sunroof part was no longer manufactured and they were unable to get the part to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 221,660.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Smog station inspection report ;; recall onreprogram pcm and replace fan controller
- Steering · Suspension
There has no been an incident yet. The vehicle rattles in the front end, exactly where the recalled part IS at. I took it to the licensed dealership that I was told was qualified to replace the part and they refused to replace it claiming that the vehicle IS too rusty and they don't want to lift it…
There has no been an incident yet. The vehicle rattles in the front end, exactly where the recalled part IS at. I took it to the licensed dealership that I was told was qualified to replace the part and they refused to replace it claiming that the vehicle IS too rusty and they don't want to lift it up on the air. I had just had 4 new tires put on it recently and they used a car lift without any issues. I would like the part replaced because now I'm worried about the defect causing a serious accident if it IS not replaced. The reason it IS being recalled IS because it IS prone to rust and may deteriorate over time and that IS exactly what IS happening and they refuse to fix it.
- Structure › Body
Front lower engine support & cradle are rusted out along with the cross member. I can furnish pictures if necessary.
- Suspension
There's a lot of poping underneath front end and there's a recall al on the control arms
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
This IS not the first mitsubishi that has done this. My ex's 2000 mitsubishi eclipse also had this same problem. The speedometer does not register. I need to know how fast I am going.
- Suspension
Takats recall .manufacturer recall numbersr-16-003
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
Catalytic converter overheating emissions recall. Second IS the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles. It was a recall on the catalytic converter overheating. I need to get my car fix.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brakes locked up and subframe snapped while driving. Found out recently that there was a recall on my car.
- Air bags · Seats
My husband was in an accident and over corrected hit an embankment and a tree and this pushed him back into the road and spin shooting him into another embankment and this resulted in him being forced backwards and into another ditch on the other side of the road hitting a mailbox and another…
My husband was in an accident and over corrected hit an embankment and a tree and this pushed him back into the road and spin shooting him into another embankment and this resulted in him being forced backwards and into another ditch on the other side of the road hitting a mailbox and another ditch. The airbag never deployed and the seat broke as if he was laying down to sleep but it was broke into this position. He hit his face on the steering wheel and injured his eye some how and the hospital said that it was due to the airbag not deploying. Why did his seat get throwed back like that and break please explain. I could have lost my husband..
- Suspension
I received a recall notice for my vehicle january 2017. I've been trying to make an appointment at transittowne mitsubishi at 7428 transit rd. Williamsville, n.y. 14221. They do not answer their phone or emails.
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
Recall info: "the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection. should corrosion occur, a lower control arm could become detached…
Recall info: "the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection. should corrosion occur, a lower control arm could become detached resulting in loss of vehicle control and potential collision. in may 2016 we had to have the lower control arm replaced along with the front sway bark link assembly." I believe this IS all part of the corrosion mentioned above in the recall. car was moving when lower control arm became detached. $285.00 to replace lower control arm & front sway bar link. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension) in august. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension) in august. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank IS leaking from the seam. Most of the fuel IS on the passenger side directly above the exhaust pipe. Fuel can be smelled all around the vehicle and inside the car
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the rpm's idled independently. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage and vin were unknown.
- Unknown or other
Slave cylinder internal and there should be a recall because there are several complaints about these internal slave cylinders in these model years before mitsubishi realized they needed to make them external. Having to replace them IS extremely expensive and requires new clutch, pressure plate and…
Slave cylinder internal and there should be a recall because there are several complaints about these internal slave cylinders in these model years before mitsubishi realized they needed to make them external. Having to replace them IS extremely expensive and requires new clutch, pressure plate and all other components because of the fluid the cylinder leaks all over the inside of the transmission. They should recall these if they expect people to continue buying their vehicles. I for one will not buy another mitsubishi because the only recap they have actually sent me was for the control arms that I already replaced on my own because even though they sent me the recall they also noted on there that the parts were not available for any dealership at this point. Very aggravated with this company and think they should treat owners and our safety as a higher priority. This slave cylinder almost caused me to get into an accident because it would not come out of gear because all the fluid was being squirted into the rest of the clutch components. Very disappointed and wishing I would have never purchased this vehicle now. Take better care of your loyal customers and our safety mitsubishi or you will keep losing them one by one. It IS an easy fix for you to recall these internal junk slave cylinders and either replace them at the very least or even convert them to external like you did a year or two after you obviously realized your mistake and bad idea.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact owned a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. While traveling 30 mph, the steering wheel seized and the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The passenger sustained injuries to the neck and back. Both the contact and passenger required…
TL* the contact owned a 2002 mitsubishi lancer. While traveling 30 mph, the steering wheel seized and the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The passenger sustained injuries to the neck and back. Both the contact and passenger required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension). The failure mileage was unknown.
- Steering
Was driving down the interstate and the steering wheel fell off. After several attempts was able to put it back on but had to press hard to keep it in place my mechanic was able to reattach it but had to disable the air bag and now cost $700 for a new steering column air bag and horn. I see other…
Was driving down the interstate and the steering wheel fell off. After several attempts was able to put it back on but had to press hard to keep it in place my mechanic was able to reattach it but had to disable the air bag and now cost $700 for a new steering column air bag and horn. I see other complaints and would like to know what my options are regarding this IS this something being reviewed or a recall. I could have been killed.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control · Wheels
Was going to the gas station to get gas and car accelerated on it's own. Then engine seized. There was no power steering then. Ran into a ditch. Car started smoking from engine. I didn't know there were recalls on these cars or I wouldn't have bought one. Biggest pain I've ever owned! The engine IS wrecked. I spent a lot of money on this car. I have no car now, what am I supposed to do? *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas tank filler tube IS leaking gas, hard to fill, sets off the service light.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
The knobs to control the heating and defogging IS broken. It has been unusually cold in georgia this winter and the defoggers only emit cold air. I have to drive the car early in the morning around 6:10am and I warm the car before my 7YR. Gets in. Now we have to have blankets for her because the…
The knobs to control the heating and defogging IS broken. It has been unusually cold in georgia this winter and the defoggers only emit cold air. I have to drive the car early in the morning around 6:10am and I warm the car before my 7YR. Gets in. Now we have to have blankets for her because the car never warms up! my sister lives here too and has the same problem on her 2003 lancer. there should be a recall for the knobs they are poorly manufactured. Thank god I don't live in chicago or buffalo, we could literally freeze to death in our car, just driving around! I tried to super glue them back together, but I see their IS what looks like a mother board behind the knobs and maybe the connection was lost when the two knobs broke. I have had a mechanic check the heating cool and the thermostat and he suggested going online for replacement parts. I did to know avail, mitsubishi does not offer replacement parts for the knobs, so what do I do? I hope mitsubishi does something about this, because this IS to no fault of the owner this IS a defect in the manufacturing of the knobs they are poor quality and should be addressed. I love the lancer it has served me well over the year and I will continue to drive them. Thank you for attention in this matter. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
Variable temperature knob/shaft broke on heater/a/c control module because it was hard to turn. always was hard to turn since vehicle was purchase 4 years ago. makes defogging of windows more difficult and has caused visibility problems in certain types of damp conditions. bad design which mitsubishi should fix. *Tr
- Air bags · Service brakes
To avoid contact with a deer I hit the brakes sliding into a utility pole causing significant front end damage to vehicle no air bags were deployed. *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
The air conditioner and heater control knob was hard to turn from the moment we bought the vehicle new. it has since broke off. this IS something that needs to be recalled because it IS a factory defect. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10030330Mitsubishi: ABS hydraulic unit bracket torque spec. Changed; service manual revision. To provide corrected tightening torque specifications for the ABS hydraulic unit mounting bracket fasteners.
- 10026795Mitsubishi: a tie rod free play check has been added to the applicable service manuals.
- 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10021560Renotification campaign.
- 10021349Cooling fan controller.
- 10021291Hard to start engine. Dtc p0340 (and p0335). Could be due to abnormal wear to the camshaft position sensor.
- 10019043High engine idle after pcm reprogramming - emissions recall campaign.
- 10018940Insufficient heater performance.
- 10018380Sport pedal installation tools. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10018362Diagnostic trouble code p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp on. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10017673Rear lower arm pillow ball bushing replacement - service manual revision.
- 10017671Emissions recall campaign - incorrect parameters in the pcm software that may allow a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor to go undetected by the on-board diagnostic system (obd).
- 100167542-3 shift flare.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015820Cruise control diagnosis - service manual revision.
- 10015711Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
- 10015211Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
- 10014428Blower housing filter.
- 10014418Click or pop noise when braking.
- 10014375Radiator hose collapsed.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.