DecodedCars2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT, 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, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 179.1–180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,866–3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints11 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 180 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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 3,120 lb (4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 8% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Lancer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Lancer →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Mizushima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Lancer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 3,120 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,866 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 | 57/43 |
| 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 | 3,020 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 | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +8% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +8% | $2,400 | 311 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 326 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 349 |
| Lancer AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Lancer Sportback | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -23% | $4,100 | 438 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -27% | $4,350 | 464 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -27% | $4,350 | 470 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
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 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,100 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 2013 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →