2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Report
2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (29) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer with 6 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer before buying across this generation. |
Mitsubishi Lancer Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mitsubishi Lancer years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer | 6 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mitsubishi onlyPower Train,Vehicle Speed Control
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control issues Mitsubishi onlyElectrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Mitsubishi onlyStructure,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure,Unknown Or Other issues Mitsubishi onlyPower Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Mitsubishi onlyVehicle Speed Control,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Engine issues Mitsubishi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Reliability Score
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Issues Multiple reports of transmission shuddering, hesitation, and loss of power. These issues are most common between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Problems Reports of electrical system issues, particularly with the starter relay, have been frequent. These issues are most common between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Subframe Rot Structural issues, including subframe rot, have been reported. These issues are most common between 70,000 to 100,000 miles. |
High | Occasional | 70k-100k miles |
| Engine Control Module Issues with the engine control module have been reported, leading to transmission and power issues. These issues are most common between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer:
Transmission issues, including shuddering, hesitation, and loss of power, are the most common problems.
Electrical system issues, particularly with the starter relay, are a significant concern.
Subframe rot has been reported, leading to potential safety concerns.
Issues with the engine control module have been reported, leading to transmission and power issues.
Recall Details for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer by NHTSA:
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Consequence: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Consequence: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
It’s throwing a P084A code and it feels like the transmission is about to let loose. I bought the car with 30,000 on it in 2016 and it has a hair over 136,000 and ever since I’ve had it it’s always had this transmission lag jerk in it. Very scuttle but you can feel it. Then all of a sudden it just started going into limp mode, hi low hi low rev, jerking and couldn’t get over 30 mph. This looks lik...
Recently the transmission has started to shudder when first driving from a stop. It only happens under low acceleration. If you push the accelerator pedel firmly it will not shudder. Wondering if this is a recall about to happen? It started on or about 4/2/2025 but is continuing to happen.
The car is bucking hi low hi low and then the service transmission light is coming on. We brought the car in a couple of weeks ago and I thought this was suppose to he fixed. It is alot worse now
Loss of power on acceleration, rpms going up and down, hesitation in acceleration, going into limp mode won't accelerate over 25-40mph pulled code P084A shop believes it needs a complete replacement based on their computer systems repair procedures guidelines. Car has just over 107k miles on it and is a pre-owned. No information was given regarding this issue having happened or if it was ever re...
Purchased the vehicle with only 59K miles in May 2024. Transmission immediately started acting up, hesitating, jumping RPMs, and delayed acceleration and loss of power. Service Transmission light came on once but after restarting the light turned off, but still has the issues. Have had the fluid and gasket replaced but did not remedy the problem. This is very dangerous to drive, especially when cr...
I've had the vehicle for 7 years and after inspection performed by the dealer, there is so much subframe rot that my car will not pass the next inspection due in April. I've contacted Mitsubishi and they said there is nothing they can do as there isn't any recall. This model of Mitsubishi has had recalls on many different previous years, such as 2005, 2010 and many online reports of 2014 with th...
I purchased this car in 2016 brand new from the dealer. Have kept up with its maintenance but in the past couple of months, the car is not taking off. What I mean by that is that the transmission slips and won't allow the car to gain speed there is a delay in the car accelerating. This is the second time that it has happened this year and its very unsafe to use a car this way and its less than 10...
CVT transmission will not catch gears as it keeps slipping. Leaves it in limp mode. Unable to accelerate beyond 25MPH. CVT fluid/ filter Service intervals have been correct as well as a fresh J4 CVT fluid/filter service at dealership. This had occurred at 103,XXX miles. Wildly, I was on my way in to my appointment with the dealership to do a CVT Fluid/Filter Replacement when the issue arises. Of c...
2016 SE 2.4L AWC. Purchased car in February 2022 at 66k miles. In December of 2022 at 78k miles, car lost majority power while traveling at 40 MPH, threw 'Tranmission Servie Required' warning light. Drove 3 blocks home, parked for 2 hours. Turned car on and drove normally without lights. Previous event happened x3 before changing transmission fluid in February 2023. From February to May, roughly 5...
I started to experience hesitation in the cars power and shifting “gears” in the cvt, it started to feel very rough and the rpm would jump up and down. The owner of the dealership tried to tell me it was normal. I knew something was wrong. I left the dealership and not even kidding… 20 minutes later my cvt gave out and the light came on. I purchased the vehicle with 27,700 miles. I was shocked, th...
Vehicle accelerates by it self
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving down his driveway at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal popping sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact engaged the parking brake. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and raised up on a lift. The vehicle was diagnosed with a severely corroded front subframe. Additionally,...
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the RPM increased from 2,000 to 5,000. Additionally, speedometer became inoperable, he brake was not working as designed, and the Service Transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The contact called th...
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated he was not sure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnose...
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. After multiple failed attempts to restart the vehicle, the contact towed it to his home where it remained. The contact call...
It I not wanting to go or like ir catch gears
Car has 76,470 miles. Took to dealership due to loss of power and jerking hard during takeoffs and said that it needed new transmission. Dealership looked at it said it had internal failure codes for transmission. When doing research there was a recall in 2016 for this specific car for issues that this car is having and the specific transmission. Spoke with woman on hotline and was told to file a ...
I was driving on the way home, my car started to skip and jerking. Went to Mitsubishi and told me I needed a whole new transmission replacement on a 2016 Lancer with only 81,000 miles on it. It seemed to never catch up to speed smoothly. Which I was terrified I was going to wreck otw home that day.
Our 2016 lancer has suddenly started hesitating/ taking seconds to shift from park to reverse/drive. Also while driving vehicle its rpms fluctuate causing a shudder and surge in power or acceleration. This is a very alarming problem as it puts mine and my kids safety as it hesitates to shift and while driving it loses power and then powers up by itself. We have taken to a transmission shop (HIgH T...
AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION BEGAN FAILING AT 60,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS CHANGED AT 30K MILES, 55K MILES, 80K, AND 98,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED AT 98,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF POCKET. PLEASE OPEN A RECALL. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED SEVERAL TIMES ON THIS VIN SERIES. THE VEHICLE HESITATES TO SWITCH GEARS AND CA...
Showing 20 of 29 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Has the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER have?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER involve power train (15 complaints), power train,vehicle speed control (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints). Other affected components include structure,unknown or other, power train,unknown or other,engine, vehicle speed control,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER out of 29 total complaints (3.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER is generally recommended. It has 29 complaints, 2 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER are: 1. POWER TRAIN (15 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 4. STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 15 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, especially between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these problems. The 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 29 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER receives a reliability score of 45/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 29 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Transmission Issues and Electrical System Problems.
What are the known issues with the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Known issues with the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER include: Transmission Issues, Electrical System Problems, Subframe Rot, Engine Control Module. These are based on patterns found across 29 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Transmission and electrical system issues are the most common, including shuddering, hesitation, and starter relay problems.
How can I prevent transmission issues in my 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes and inspections, can help prevent transmission issues.
What should I do if I notice subframe rot in my 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Seek professional inspection and repair to address subframe rot, as it can affect the vehicle's safety.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, especially between 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16