2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, 7% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Was going to the gas station to get gas and car accelerated on it's own. Then engine seized. There was no power steering then. Ran into a ditch. Car started smoking from engine. I didn't know there were recalls on these cars or I wouldn't have bought one. Biggest pain I've ever owned! The engine is wrecked. I spent a lot of money on this car. I have no car now, what am I supposed to do?”
NHTSA complaint #10622408, filed 2014-08, 150,000 miles“On 5 occasions now when I hit the brakes to slow down the engine accelerates on it's own revving extremely loud. If I don't put the car in park and turn off the ignition it feels like it will take off and cause a severe accident. I bought this car brand new and this first occurred about 6 months after buying the vehicle. I brought it to the dealership and they found nothing wrong. I continued to drive vehicle and a few months later happened again. It happens sporadically but when it happens it is quite scary. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152793, filed 2006-03, 500 miles“While applying brakes vehicle accelerated. In order to slow the vehicle down consumer had to engage the vehicle into neutral, and shut the ignition off. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer and put on the diagnostic computer. The technician indicated that no codes were displayed indicating a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10075543, filed 2004-06, 17,400 miles“I purchased my vehicle in 2003 and was happy with it's performance up until september of 2005. On three different occasions I have experienced the car making a funny noise and accelerating on it's own. I took the car to have it serviced and was told by the service repair person that no one had ever reported having a problem of this kind. Since I have had the vehicle repaired I do not feel comfortable driving it. I bought all new tires because I was told that my two front tires were starting to bald. It appears as though the car could be idled too high or something. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135285, filed 2005-09“The contact owns a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH; approached a traffic stop light. The engine began to rev; and vehicle lunged forward. During braking there was difficulty to stop the vehicle. The authorized dealer was notified of the malfunction. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 137,120. Updated 11/16/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10316619, filed 2010-03, 137,120 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019043Jan 1, 2006High engine idle after pcm reprogramming - emissions recall campaign.
- 10015820May 1, 2005Cruise control diagnosis - service manual revision.
- 10018380Dec 1, 2004Sport pedal installation tools. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 8% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 7 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
26 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 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 31, 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