DecodedCars2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT, Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr, Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD, Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 179.1–180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,921–3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 compact car (24.3 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 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 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/Se/GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 15% better than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2011
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 28
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Lancer →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,921 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 | 3,594 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 | 60/40 |
| Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD | 180.7 in | 69.3 in | 59.4 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,098 lb | 59/41 |
| Sportback Ralliart 4dr AWD | 180.7 in | 69.3 in | 59.4 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,572 lb | 59/41 |
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 | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +15% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +11% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +11% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +11% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -18% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -22% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -22% | $4,350 | 468 |
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.3 MPG2011 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Camry | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Nissan GT-R | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
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.
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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
28Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 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 2011 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 |
| 2010 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2009 Lancer | 25 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 64 |
| 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 →