Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 3,184 Mitsubishi Lancer cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1978 and 2017.
In a sample of 397 cars, 70.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is position light not working (properly) (18.4% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 13 recalls for this model; 14.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mitsubishi Lancer
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Position light not working (properly) | 18.4% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 16.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 15.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 13.9% |
| Steering dust boot damaged, not sealing | 13.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 13.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.6% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.5% |
| Shock absorber not working (properly) | 4% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9.6% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 3,184 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 14.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1978 to 2017 |
All Mitsubishi Lancer passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-06-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 7,817 |
| 2019-01-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 31,143 |
| 2019-01-01 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 5,382 |
| 2018-11-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 4,303 |
| 2018-11-13 | windows and wipers | serious | 2,269 |
| 2018-10-04 | electrical system | serious | 8,299 |
| 2015-10-01 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 3,107 |
| 2015-08-06 | electrical system | serious | 1,628 |
| 2014-10-07 | steering | serious | 4,893 |
| 2014-03-04 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 356 |
| 2013-10-11 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 11 |
| 2013-08-20 | electrical system | – | 3 |
| 2013-08-20 | brakes | – | 14 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mitsubishi Lancer fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 70.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most common APK defects are: position light not working (properly) (18.4%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (16.4%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (15.1%).
Does the Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 13 recalls. 14.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mitsubishi models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.