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Mitsubishi · Compact · 2007–2017

Mitsubishi Lancer CY

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

295 PS

2.0L Turbo MIVEC Benzin

FQ-300 SST — brutal in a straight line, cheap inside

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

140–143 PS

1.8L MIVEC Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

295 PS

2.0L Turbo MIVEC Benzin

11 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Mitsubishi Lancer CY is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
4 Engines 2× Good Choice 2× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Schrägheck
4 Engines 2× Good Choice 2× Stay Away!
view Schrägheck →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mitsubishi Lancer CY is available with 4 engine variants — from 116 to 295 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.8L DI-D · Diesel· 140 PS
2007 2014
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L MIVEC · Benziner· 116–117 PS
2007 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L MIVEC · Benziner· 140–143 PS
2007 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Sportback · Benziner· 116–143 PS Engine Change
2007 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2007 2017
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mitsubishi 1.8L DI-D (Diesel, 140 PS) has the 4N13 (1.8L DI-D) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 1.6L MIVEC (Benziner, 116–117 PS) has the 4A92 (1.6L MIVEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 1.8L MIVEC (Benziner, 140–143 PS) has the 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi Sportback (Benziner, 116–143 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 4A92 (2007–2017, Good Choice) und 4B10 (2007–2017, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the Sportback!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖CVT automatic judders and hesitates at higher mileage

The CVT gearbox, fitted to 1.8 MIVEC variants, shows wear to the belt and pulleys from around 80,000 km. Without regular oil changes, premature failure threatens. Gearbox replacement costs several thousand euros.

Symptoms: Juddering when pulling away, sluggish throttle response, metallic noises on load changes, gearbox overheating warning
from 90,000 km
Ad CVT transmission fluid Lancer CYCVT gearbox Lancer completeRiemenscheibe CVT Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
456 complaints · 2007–2017
Powertrain
133 ⚠ 4
Engine
78 ⚠ 1
Electrical
52 ⚠ 3
Brakes
41 ⚠ 12
Suspension
38 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (133 complaints)
⚠ Engine (78 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (52 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 30 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Lancer CY (2007–2017) — 24 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: 4B11T (2.0L Turbo MIVEC), 4N13 (1.8L DI-D). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Rust, Suspension. Considered reliable: 4A92 (1.6L MIVEC), 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC).

Lancer (4N13, 2007–2014) — Stay Away!: Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Injectors failed, Turbocharger failed. Power: 140 PS.

Lancer (4B11T, 2008–2016) — Stay Away!: Piston ring failure and engine damage, Timing chain elongation, TC-SST dual-clutch gearbox: clutch pack wear. Power: 300 PS.

Lancer (4B11T, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Piston ring failure and engine damage, Timing chain elongation, TC-SST dual-clutch gearbox: clutch pack wear. Power: 360 PS.

Lancer (4B11T, 2008–2014) — Stay Away!: Piston ring failure and engine damage, Timing chain elongation, TC-SST dual-clutch gearbox: clutch pack wear. Power: 400 PS.

Lancer (4B11T, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Piston ring failure and engine damage, Timing chain elongation, TC-SST dual-clutch gearbox: clutch pack wear. Power: 440 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Lancer? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Lancer CY have? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer CY has 24 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer CY? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 4A92 (1.6L MIVEC), 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC). The most reliable engine is the 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 4B11T (2.0L Turbo MIVEC). Problem engine: 4B11T (2.0L Turbo MIVEC) — stay away!
Which Mitsubishi Lancer CY engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mitsubishi Lancer CY. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer CY engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mitsubishi Lancer CY — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 300 hp with SST twin-clutch and S-AWC — brutal in a straight line, 0–100 in 4.7 seconds. In corners no body roll, no moment of fear, the S-AWC sticks. But at normal speeds it is a completely ordinary saloon with a cheap interior. It needs hard driving to make sense. 15 l/100 km in daily use, high insurance rating. If maximum commitment is not a regular occurrence, it's the wrong car.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer CY worth buying used? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer CY requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Lancer CY? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer CY is available with engine variants from 116 to 295 hp. Petrol: 4A92 (1.6L MIVEC), 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC), 4B11T (2.0L Turbo MIVEC). Diesel: 4N13 (1.8L DI-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee