2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se, 4dr Sedan FWD Gts, Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr, Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 179.1–179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,921–3,461 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,921 lb (4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 13% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2009
- Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Lancer →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Es/Se | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,921 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Gts | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 3,031 lb | 61/39 |
| Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr | 179.1 in | 71.3 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,389 lb | 56/44 |
| Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,461 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +13% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +8% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -15% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (7)
Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Risk
- A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jan 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
- Risk
- If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Jan 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electrical System · Apr 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V232000 · 53,396 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
- Risk
- Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Apr 20, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V233000 · 76,958 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
- Risk
- Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Sep 12, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. 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). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
- Risk
- If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Sep 19, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V446000 · 10,474 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
- Risk
- Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.
Not every 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Lancer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2016 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 30 |
| 2015 Lancer | 29 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 26 |
| 2014 Lancer | 28 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2013 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2012 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2011 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 28 |
| 2010 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2008 Lancer | 24 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 50 |
| 2007 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
| 2005 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →