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Electrical systemPart report

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Electrical system Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
19%of 98 total for the year
Median mileage
62,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, 19% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The ecu is bad and the headlights will turn off while driving there is many complaints on the internet about this but they refuse to acknowledge its an issue and want near 1000 $ to fix the issue. We have had the light turn off while driving several time causing my wife to panic and causing alarm that could have resulted in an accident”

NHTSA complaint #11162622, filed 2018-12, 90,000 miles

“The brake lights were no longer functioning, but the tail lights were still operating. The car failed inspection due to brake lights not functioning and the vehicle was taken to the dealership for diagnostics. The ecu, part number 8637c096 is what is in my vehicle. There is a safety recall for a 2009 Lancer, sr-15-002, for the ecu but because of the part number (8637a826) difference the dealership will not replace my ecu that is faulty. …”

NHTSA complaint #11361090, filed 2020-09, 135,093 miles

“Shortly after starting the engine; take a turn left and then made; I turn on the ABS light shortly after engine light lit too and, days later, the ABS light went out. The next day I started the engine; running the car at 15 to 35 miles, sounds a hit; in the transmission and ABS light comes on again. This has been doing so far.”

NHTSA complaint #10651258, filed 2014-10, 65,000 miles

“I was driving down the road and heard a pop noise. Smoke came rolling out from underneath my front drivers side seat. I stopped and looked, but found no fire. Now the speakers do not work and the box underneath my seat smells like smoke. There was no fire, but definitely could have been.”

NHTSA complaint #10325725, filed 2010-04, 44,000 miles

“I was driving northbound on the ca is-15 north at approximately 5:55 pm pst between the exits of 138/wrightwood and the route 395/joshua street exit. I was traveling in the fast lane going about 68-72 MPH. I got a service required error light flashing, then the slow down light came on with a picture of a thermometer. I checked the temperature gauge (which is displayed on the LED screen by the speedometer, not the usual independent gauge) and the temperature showed that it was right in the middle, which should be working great. …”

NHTSA complaint #10535378, filed 2013-08, 79,885 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2016413%
2015626%
201416%
201215%
2011412%
2010510%
20091919%
200878%
200613%
200528%
200479%
2003126%
200243%

Other parts of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

Engine
22 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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