2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, 3% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is not the first Mitsubishi that has done this. My ex's 2000 Mitsubishi eclipse also had this same problem. The speedometer does not register. I need to know how fast I am going.”
NHTSA complaint #11153665, filed 2018-11, 240,000 miles“I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer and the temperature control knob in the vehicle has been difficult to turn since I bought the car. The knob broke off two weeks ago. I contacted my dealer who stated that I can not just change the knob I have to change the whole unit which will cost me around $ 600.00 plus services fees to install it. This should be a recall item, since heating (and cooling) a vehicle allows it to be operable during hot and cold temperatures. It is now beginning to get cold.”
NHTSA complaint #10430916, filed 2011-10, 110,000 miles“This is a complaint I have seen on other websites from thousands of other Mitsubishi lancers from 2000- 2005, but mainly in the 2002 model range. The heater/air conditioner controls seize up and either the cable freezes up and the control knob snaps off on the temperature controls. To me this is a safety concern not necessarily for the use of the vehicle, but rather for the health of the driver and those who ride in the vehicle. They could freeze in the winter or get heat stroke in the summer.”
NHTSA complaint #10423861, filed 2011-09“The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the RPM's idled independently. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10903894, filed 2016-09Related service bulletins
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10016133Apr 1, 2005Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015711Apr 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Feb 1, 2005Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 12% |
| 2010 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 19 | 19% |
| 2008 | 7 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 7 | 9% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
26 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology