2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

194

Owner Complaints

47 Crashes 1 Fire 3 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

39

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

The 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER has received a total of 194 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 39 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (12 complaints), Air Bagsfrontal (12 complaints), and Visibility (10 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER, potentially affecting up to 338,370 vehicles.

Recall 16V458000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 194,674 vehicles affected

Defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin...

Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has...

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 06E038000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 724 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: ALFAOTTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALFAOTTO AT 626-656-2992 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALFAOTTO.COM.

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Recall 04V428000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 100,432 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

194 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 12 12 Crashes 9 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 12 12 Crashes 10 Injuries
Visibility
Complaints: 10
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 9
Suspension
Complaints: 8
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 6
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 5
Steering
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 5
Electrical System
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 4
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4
Engine
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes
Structure
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries 1 Death
Seats
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipment
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1 1 Death
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11471221 | VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | | 221,660 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she felt an air draft inside of the vehicle. The contact's daughter attempted to close the sunroof when she noticed that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the sunroof part was no longer manufactured and they were unable to get the part to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 221,660.
#11397612 | ENGINE | | 201,532 miles
SMOG STATION INSPECTION REPORT ;; RECALL ONREPROGRAM PCM AND REPLACE FAN CONTROLLER
#11397612 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 201,532 miles
SMOG STATION INSPECTION REPORT ;; RECALL ONREPROGRAM PCM AND REPLACE FAN CONTROLLER
#11320089 | STEERING | | N/A miles
THERE HAS NO BEEN AN INCIDENT YET. THE VEHICLE RATTLES IN THE FRONT END, EXACTLY WHERE THE RECALLED PART IS AT. I TOOK IT TO THE LICENSED DEALERSHIP THAT I WAS TOLD WAS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE THE PART AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT CLAIMING THAT THE VEHICLE IS TOO RUSTY AND THEY DON'T WANT TO LIFT IT UP ON THE AIR. I HAD JUST HAD 4 NEW TIRES PUT ON IT RECENTLY AND THEY USED A CAR LIFT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THE PART REPLACED BECAUSE NOW I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE DEFECT CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT IS NOT REPLACED. THE REASON IT IS BEING RECALLED IS BECAUSE IT IS PRONE TO RUST AND MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT.
#11320089 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
THERE HAS NO BEEN AN INCIDENT YET. THE VEHICLE RATTLES IN THE FRONT END, EXACTLY WHERE THE RECALLED PART IS AT. I TOOK IT TO THE LICENSED DEALERSHIP THAT I WAS TOLD WAS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE THE PART AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE IT CLAIMING THAT THE VEHICLE IS TOO RUSTY AND THEY DON'T WANT TO LIFT IT UP ON THE AIR. I HAD JUST HAD 4 NEW TIRES PUT ON IT RECENTLY AND THEY USED A CAR LIFT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I WOULD LIKE THE PART REPLACED BECAUSE NOW I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE DEFECT CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT IS NOT REPLACED. THE REASON IT IS BEING RECALLED IS BECAUSE IT IS PRONE TO RUST AND MAY DETERIORATE OVER TIME AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT.

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Safety Rating for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has issued 39 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

04005 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

RENOTIFICATION CAMPAIGN. *KB

07001 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

COOLING FAN CONTROLLER. *KB

06001 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

HIGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER PCM REPROGRAMMING - EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TT

0534002 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

REAR LOWER ARM PILLOW BALL BUSHING REPLACEMENT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

0555004 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

INSUFFICIENT HEATER PERFORMANCE. *TT

0554001 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY LOAD TEST RATE CHART - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

12012004 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

SPORT PEDAL INSTALLATION TOOLS. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT

0321001 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

CLUTCH RELEASE CYLINDER LEAKING CONDITION. *TT

93 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE. *TT

0323001 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (A/T) STANDARD HYDRAULIC PRESSURES - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

Showing 10 of 39 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MITSUBISHI LANCER

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Other MITSUBISHI Models

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