Mitsubishi / Lancer / 2002
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Owners have filed 194 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer with NHTSA. Visibility accounts for 13.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 12.9%.
Complaints194
Crashes47
Fires1
Injuries30
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Visibility 13.4% · 26
Air bags 12.9% · 25
Power train 11.3% · 22
Engine and engine cooling 9.8% · 19
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.8% · 19
Suspension 7.7% · 15
Steering 6.2% · 12
Vehicle speed control 5.2% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 47 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire, 30 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer in this data, 2002 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2003 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the climate control knob had broken. The contact was unable to use the heat or defrost option as a result. The contact had noticed that the knob was difficult to turn shortly after purchasing the vehicle. The dealer stated that the entire climate control unit needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 580,000. Visibility · reported at 580,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that he defroster/heater control mechanism fractured at the touch when attempting to activate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed the contact that the air conditioner/heater control module would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. Visibility · reported at 114,000 miles
The temperature control knob in the vehicle has been difficult to turn since purchase and has since deteriorated. The knob broke off yesterday resulting in the temperature settings to no longer be operable. This should be a recall item, since heating (and cooling) a vehicle allows it to be operable during storms and deep freeze temperatures. Visibility
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…