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2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
Limited data: few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven, and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
5 owner complaints · 0 recalls · data verified July 25, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 5 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, and lean on a professional inspection.
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
4/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR FWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 12%
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, plotted where owners report it happening.
Transmission & drivetrain
40%2 complaints
“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 OTHE…”
Engine
40%2 complaints
“TAKATA RECALL- ABS LIGHT IS ON PER RECALL IT HAS TO DO WITH AIR BAG INFLATOR IN OTHER MITSUBISHI CARS. ALSO THE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN AND OVER HEATS. THIS HAS BEEN NOT…”
Brakes
20%1 complaints
“MASTER CYLINDER CLUTCH IS FAULTY CAUSING THE PROBLEMS IN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. AN ARTICLE ONLINE STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FROM 2008-2013 REGARDING THIS ISSUE. WHY IS …”
Airbags
20%1 complaints
“TAKATA RECALL- ABS LIGHT IS ON PER RECALL IT HAS TO DO WITH AIR BAG INFLATOR IN OTHER MITSUBISHI CARS. ALSO THE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN AND OVER HEATS. THIS HAS BEEN NOT…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
Too few owners named a mileage on this model to place issues against an odometer yet.
Recalls (0)
No recall campaigns on file for this model year.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking any seller before you hand over money:
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 Mitsubishi LANCER beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every Lancer model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.