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Mitsubishi Lancer check engine light comes on

26 of the 865 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Lancer describe check engine light, most of them for the 2002 model year.

owner complaints
26
worst model year
2002
typical mileage
83,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    3
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    7

Often reported together

ABS 3Won't start 2Transmission failure 2Grinding brakes 2Won't shift 1Stalling 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0421 2P1875 1P084A 1P0300 1

What owners say

Filed Jan 11, 2024 · Transmission · FL

The transmission has a severe shudder and lack of power. The malfunction occurs frequently and most recently has occurred while making a left turn in an intersection when the vehicle suddenly stumbled in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic nearing. The problem has been confirmed by Mitsubishi with a TSB released regarding the affected vehicles TSB-22-23-001REV, however, they refuse to do anything since the vehicle is no longer under warranty. The check engine light appears when the issues occurs, code "P084a" along with the "Service Transmission" indicator on the instrument cluster.

Filed Sep 8, 2021 · Engine · NJ

I own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer and I have been experiencing issues with the engine. The check engine light comes on constantly then disappears for about 2 weeks and then comes back soon after. This has been a ongoing thing since i got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery light will come on (with noise and notice) then quickly turn off and not come back on. This happens on and off also. I did some research and I believe it is a belt issue.

Filed Mar 7, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · 83,000 miles · WA

As I was driving it it seems to hesitate on accelerating after a few stops the transmission light would come on for a little bit then go off. Same with the check engine light. As I was driving it to work on the highway.. It suddenly started losing power and I was able to pull over and park it at a gas station where it went completely dead.. I had aaa tow it.. It started up but the shifting is not engaging right away. Had the software updated in 2019.. The CVT transmission are full of problems. It seems to have the same symptoms as the recall but my car was not recalled according to the VIN number.. I had a flush done recently and I have also had the oil changed when needed. The acceleration hesitation then loss of power while driving 60 on the freeway is a safety issue... A lot of semi trucks travel that highway and they cant stop when a car loses power in front of them.

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Engine · CA

2 years ago I brought a new catalytic converter for my car from de dealership. That cost me 496.76$ few months ago the check engine turn in and when I check I have the code p0421. That is the code for the catalytic converter again. I couldn't believe it. I when to mitsubishi 2 days ago and they told me that they couldn't believe it because I'm the first client that comes back for the same part. One of the employees check my car and he said that my car is burning oil. He told me that I have to change the valve lifter. Do I really need to do that then buy a new catalytic converter?

Filed Feb 27, 2019 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · NC

My complaint is on the anti lock brake pump/motor on 2010 mitsubishi lancers. Iv read alot and talked to alot of people about this issue where at anytime the car ends up having a low or bad battery, and or any other issues causing lower then normal voltage. It sends a code to the ABS module causing it to fail. Making your ABS and engine light come on the dash. With that failure it stores the code and even after the electrical problems are fix you still can not clear the ABS/brake code. The only fix to get ride of the lights and to get your ABS pump/motor working again is to replace it with a brand new unit costing almost $3,000 dollars to mitsubishi. Hearing from other people with this issue, it is a defect from mitsubishi. This problem occured to me when my car was is park running, but have seen it happen to other people just driving down the road or highway ( in motion & stationary ) also with out this fix you cant not get your vehical passed in a state inspection

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · CA

About a month ago service check engine light has been coming on and throws code p1875(damper speed sensor) . I've been told by mitsubishi there is no fix for this other than purchasing a new $15,000 sst transmission from them. The car is not even worth that much by now. How is it that mitsubishi does not have a fix for this issue?

Filed Jun 21, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · MD

2010 mitsubishi lancer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fails emissions due to service engine warning light indicates catalytic converter/sensor circuit slow response malfunction also passenger windows and key fob battery problems. *smd the consumer stated the dealer advised that the 02 sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The passenger's window was inoperable. The rear passenger window was slow to open. The key fob also is inoperable. Updated 06/21/2017

Filed Feb 2, 2017 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · PA

A recall was issued in 2005 for a potential issue in the power train. The recall stated that if the vehicle had a check engine light, the repair was to first try reprogramming the power train. If the check engine light appeared afterwards, the catalytic converter was to be replaced. The car was taken to the dealership for the above outlined service in 2005. The power train was reprogrammed and the check engine light went away, but the catalytic converter was not replaced. The check engine light later returned. A diagnostic revealed that the catalytic converter needed replaced. I believe that if the initial recall work in 2005 was properly fulfilled the catalytic converter would have been replaced. Mitsubishi has refused to repair of replace the catalytic converter, citing that the work done in the recall was sufficient. I contend that the recall repair was not thorough enough and that the catalytic converter should be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer.

Filed Dec 26, 2014 · Engine · 119,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part was not available for several months. The dealer did not give a specific date when the parts would become available. The dealer informed that the part was on back order with no confirmation as to when the vehicle would be repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Engine · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) but the service engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported January 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V069000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported September 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 14V562000 · Recall details

Questions about the Mitsubishi Lancer check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Mitsubishi Lancer?

Owners who report it most often also describe abs light or abs activating, won't start and complete transmission failure, and the codes they mention most are P0421, P1875 and P084A.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2002 (7 complaints), 2004 (3 complaints) and 2009 (3 complaints).

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