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Mitsubishi · Known Issues

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems: 6 Known Issues

2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure ($800-$2,500 repair), Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000), 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch ($800-$2,000 repair), Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069), CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo) ($2,500-$5,500 repair) and Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear ($1,500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $800 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Lancer Engine3
  • Lancer Drivetrain2
  • Lancer Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine3
  • Drivetrain2
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003

On the 2008-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, mitsubishi recalled 2008-2011 Lancer models built with 4B1-series engines because the engine pulley and belt arrangement that drives the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (where fitted) can wear abnormally. As the pulleys wear, the drive belt is no longer held properly and can come off the engine. The campaign also swept in the Lancer Evolution, and the 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart, so Lancer owners across the range should check rather than assume the sedan alone is covered. NHTSA lists 165,923 vehicles for the campaign as a whole, across every Mitsubishi model named in it. With the belt off, the alternator stops charging, the battery runs down, and the engine can stall — which is why NHTSA treats it as a crash risk rather than a simple no-start inconvenience.

Common Symptoms

  • Drive belt comes off the engine
  • Battery discharges / loss of charging
  • Engine stalls while driving
  • Loss of power steering assist on cars equipped with a belt-driven power steering pump

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Mitsubishi dealer under recall SR-14-009 (NHTSA 14V562000), which began October 15, 2014. The dealer replaces the drive belt with a rubber belt and inspects the drive pulleys, replacing any that are excessively worn. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your Lancer is included and whether the work has already been done; Mitsubishi customer service is 1-888-648-7820.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer, the 4B11 engine timing chain stretches over time, particularly when oil changes are neglected. Chain stretch leads to retarded cam timing, rough idle, and potential engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth on the sprockets.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattling noise on cold start
  • Check engine light for cam timing
  • Rough idle
  • Reduced power and fuel economy

How to Fix

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides as a set. Use the updated Mitsubishi timing chain kit with the improved tensioner. Maintain strict 5,000-mile oil change intervals to minimize chain wear.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Replacement AP 4B11 timing chain, tensioner and two-guide kit REPD321002
    OEMReplacement AP REPD321002 / TK167

    Confirm trim, build date and service-part configuration before order

    PartsGeek

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,000

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On the 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, mitsubishi recalled 2009-2012 Lancer sedans built with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine because the automatic tensioner for the accessory drive belt can crack at its flange. Once the flange cracks, the tensioner no longer holds the belt properly and the accessory drive belt can come off the engine. With the belt gone the alternator no longer turns, so the Lancer runs on battery alone until the battery discharges and the engine stalls — a stall in traffic is why NHTSA treats this as a crash risk. Not every Lancer of these years is included: the campaign is limited to cars with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine, so a VIN check is the only reliable way to know if a particular car is covered. The campaign as a whole (all Mitsubishi models named in it, not Lancers alone) covers 141,053 vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Accessory drive belt comes off the engine
  • Battery discharges while driving
  • Engine stalls

How to Fix

This is a free safety recall repair — Mitsubishi recall number SR-18-001, NHTSA campaign 18V069000. A Mitsubishi dealer replaces the drive belt tensioner with a redesigned part that has an improved flange shape, at no charge regardless of the car's age or mileage. Owner notification began March 27, 2018, so a used Lancer bought later may never have had a notice reach its current owner. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair is still open on your car, then call any Mitsubishi dealer to schedule it. Mitsubishi customer service is 1-888-648-7820.

Find a Mitsubishi dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Mitsubishi dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Mitsubishi vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer, the Active Yaw Control (AYC) hydraulic pump on the Lancer Evolution rear differential is a known failure point. The pump motor burns out or the internal gears strip, disabling the active torque vectoring rear differential and triggering warning lights.

Common Symptoms

  • AYC warning light illuminated
  • Loss of rear torque vectoring
  • Clicking from rear differential
  • Reduced cornering stability

How to Fix

Replace the AYC pump motor assembly. Upgraded aftermarket pump motors with improved bearings are available. Some owners convert to a conventional 1.5-way mechanical LSD to eliminate the AYC system entirely.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Reconditioned Evo X ACD/AYC pump Stage 2
    OEMAYCbuy Pump ACD AYC EVO 10 Stage 2

    Confirm Evo X chassis, line/connector configuration and failed hydraulic function; professio

    AYCbuy

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,500

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On the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L 4B11T Turbo I4, the Lancer Evolution Active Center Differential (ACD) transfer case develops internal failures, particularly under hard launching and track use. The ACD clutch pack wears prematurely, and the transfer case bearings can fail, causing grinding noises and loss of AWD function.

Common Symptoms

  • Grinding noise from center of vehicle
  • AWD warning light
  • Loss of center differential lock function
  • Vibration during acceleration

How to Fix

Change the transfer case fluid every 15,000 miles with Mitsubishi DiaQueen fluid. Avoid repeated hard launches from a standstill. Replace the ACD clutch pack and bearings when noise or AWD malfunction is detected.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,000

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On the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer, non-Evolution Lancer models with the CVT experience premature transmission failure, with the CVT belt and pulleys wearing out between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The transmission develops slipping, shuddering, and eventually complete failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission slipping
  • Shudder during acceleration
  • Whining noise from transmission
  • Loss of drive at highway speeds

How to Fix

Regular CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles can extend transmission life. When the CVT fails, a remanufactured unit from a reputable rebuilder is more cost-effective than a new Mitsubishi unit.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $5,500

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NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

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.

Campaign #17V60900029/09/2017

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Campaign #16V56300028/07/2016

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Other Mitsubishi Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure, Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000), 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure and Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000) and 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch and Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069) and CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo) and Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Lancer issues range from $800 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure, typically costs $800-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure?

The Active Yaw Control (AYC) hydraulic pump on the Lancer Evolution rear differential is a known failure point. The pump motor burns out or the internal gears strip, disabling the active torque vectoring rear differential and triggering warning lights. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000)?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Mitsubishi recalled 2008-2011 Lancer models built with 4B1-series engines because the engine pulley and belt arrangement that drives the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (where fitted) can wear abnormally. As the pulleys wear, the drive belt is no longer he… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch?

The 4B11 engine timing chain stretches over time, particularly when oil changes are neglected. Chain stretch leads to retarded cam timing, rough idle, and potential engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth on the sprockets. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069)?

Mitsubishi recalled 2009-2012 Lancer sedans built with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine because the automatic tensioner for the accessory drive belt can crack at its flange. Once the flange cracks, the tensioner no longer holds the belt properly and the accessory drive belt can come off t… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo)?

Non-Evolution Lancer models with the CVT experience premature transmission failure, with the CVT belt and pulleys wearing out between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The transmission develops slipping, shuddering, and eventually complete failure. Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear?

The Lancer Evolution Active Center Differential (ACD) transfer case develops internal failures, particularly under hard launching and track use. The ACD clutch pack wears prematurely, and the transfer case bearings can fail, causing grinding noises and loss of AWD function. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.