2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, 5% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,750 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.
“Recall info: the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection. Should corrosion occur, a lower control arm could become detached resulting in loss of vehicle control and potential collision. In may 2016 we had to have the lower control arm replaced along with the front sway bark link assembly. I believe this is all part of the corrosion mentioned above in the recall. Car was moving when lower control arm became detached. …”
NHTSA complaint #10939837, filed 2017-01, 228,566 miles“I own a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (oz rally) that was purchased in 2002. During the last few months of 2009, I noticed my temperature control knob was becoming harder and harder to turn. On monday, march 1, 2010 it broke completely off, leaving a partial stub of plastic in the console and the remaining plastic inside the knob. I first went to two auto parts stores to see if they carried this replacement piece, and their personnel informed me I needed to have it repaired a Mitsubishi dealership. I then went to the Mitsubishi dealership to inquire about the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10316641, filed 2010-03, 100,500 miles“Having a problem with rear suspension. The entire back end sounds as if the frame is broken. Was assured by mitsu service that it is not a safety issue. I was told it needed bearings and bushings and parts are on back order. This is a 2002 Lancer oz with 30000 miles this should not be happening to a car of this age. I am filing this complaint because I feel if there are two complaints on this site there are most certainly dozens more out there or more to come.”
NHTSA complaint #10032750, filed 2003-08, 30,000 miles“While driving 25 MPH driver's side control arm popped off the wheel . However, driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic determined that vehicle had been in a previous accident. Vehicle could not be repaired due to bent chassis.”
NHTSA complaint #10055712, filed 2004-01“Paint is chipping all over the body, especially on the hood. The company refuses to take care of their cheap paint. The paint will chip for no reason or whenever bird droppings or tree sap come in contact, even if you clean it right off. I have never had such bad paintg.”
NHTSA complaint #10067717, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10170852Jan 29, 2013This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170097Jan 15, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2016 | 2 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 19% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 12% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 10 | 11% |
| 2006 | 5 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 5% |
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 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 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