Mitsubishi Lancer IX Review: Complete Guide to Reliability

The Mitsubishi Lancer IX became the final chapter in the history of one of the most recognizable models from the Japanese automaker. Over 35 years of production, the total output of all Lancer generations exceeded 6 million units, demonstrating the undisputable popularity of this model among car enthusiasts worldwide.

The ninth generation Lancer debuted in 2007 and represented a radically new approach by the company to creating a compact sedan. Japanese engineers decided to abandon the traditional wagon in favor of a more practical hatchback, which became one of the key differences of the new model from its predecessors.

Exterior Design and Styling

The Lancer IX received a modern and dynamic design that distinguished it among competitors in the compact sedan class. The aggressive front end with Mitsubishi's characteristic grille, expressive headlights, and clearly defined body lines gave the car a sporty character.

In 2011, the model underwent a facelift, though external changes were minimal. The manufacturer focused on refining the technical aspects, improving many components and assemblies, and slightly enhancing cabin sound insulation.

Paint Coating and Corrosion Protection

One of the characteristics of Japanese automobiles is their relatively thin paint coating. On the Lancer IX, the rear doors, sills, and hood are the first to suffer. Special attention should be paid to the junction between the windshield and roof edge - this is where paint begins to bubble and the first corrosion spots appear.

The car's lighting also requires attention. Headlights become cloudy quite quickly from sand and road dust exposure, degrading lighting quality. Many owners solve this problem by installing LED bulbs, which not only provide better illumination but also last significantly longer than halogen bulbs.

Cabin and Interior

The Lancer IX interior is executed in a typically Japanese style - functional and practical, but without frills. The materials used are quite simple: hard plastic that begins to creak and crack with age. Painted interior details are prone to scratching, soft upholstery quickly becomes grimy, and leather trim elements lose their original appearance over time.

Control buttons, especially frequently used ones, are prone to coating wear. Steering wheel buttons often fail - usually the problem is solved by replacing contact rings on the steering column, which is a relatively simple procedure.

Another typical malfunction is heater motor failure. It's located behind the glove box, providing relatively easy access for repair or replacement. Otherwise, the car's electrical system is quite reliable, though minor issues like failed mirror actuators may appear with age.

Engine Range

1.5-liter Engine

About one-third of all Lancer IX models were equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 109 horsepower. For a car of this mass, this power is just adequate, so active drivers often operate the engine at high RPMs.

This intensive operation leads to the engine's main problem - increased oil consumption. At high RPMs, the engine begins actively consuming oil, leading to clogging of thin oil drain channels in pistons with combustion products. Over time, oil control rings also suffer.

From 2012, the 1.5-liter engine was replaced with a 1.6-liter unit with an improved piston assembly. While the oil consumption problem didn't disappear completely, it became less critical.

1.6-liter Engine Series 4A

This engine gained a reputation as "hot" due to its high operating temperature. Elevated temperature leads to accelerated aging of oil and rubber seals. Even when using quality 95-octane gasoline, detonation may occur.

A characteristic problem of these engines is valve cover leaks. Simply replacing the seal usually doesn't help - the entire cover must be replaced.

1.8 and 2.0-liter Engines Series 4B1

These engines were developed for global use and were also installed in Hyundai, Kia, and Chrysler vehicles. On Mitsubishi, these sleeved aluminum four-cylinder engines earned a reputation as exceptionally reliable units.

The timing chain can serve up to 500,000 kilometers, though achieving such longevity requires timely replacement of tensioners and guides. Wear of these elements usually manifests as characteristic noise after 200,000 kilometers of mileage.

The MIVEC variable valve timing system, installed on all Lancer engines, is known for its reliability. The coupling valve may occasionally act up, but in most cases its functionality is restored with simple cleaning.

Engine Maintenance Schedule

The throttle body system requires preventive cleaning every 50,000 kilometers - it's prone to deposit buildup. The accessory drive typically lasts the same duration, with rollers failing more often than the belts themselves. From 2014, more durable new-design rollers entered production.

Spark plugs require replacement every 50-60,000 kilometers. Their wear manifests as unstable engine operation at idle.

The critical milestone is 100-120,000 kilometers. From this point, it's important to monitor crankshaft seal condition. Around the same period, valve clearances may require adjustment, which is done traditionally through shim selection.

A practically guaranteed malfunction is wear of the exhaust manifold sealing ring. This inexpensive part, when worn, gives the car's exhaust a characteristic bass tone.

Transmissions

Manual Transmission

The 1.5-liter engine comes with a five-speed Getrag manual transmission - generally a reliable unit with one significant drawback. The input shaft bearing usually fails around 150,000 kilometers of mileage.

A dying bearing produces a characteristic rumbling sound at idle. If this problem is ignored, the bearing can completely destroy itself, requiring complete transmission overhaul.

More powerful engines get an Aisin transmission, which is considered significantly more reliable.

A common problem with both transmissions is hard gear shifting. Usually, treating the cable drive with silicone lubricant helps, but in some cases, corroded cables must be replaced.

Automatic Transmission

The classic four-speed automatic is an ancient but reliable transmission developed jointly by Mitsubishi and Hyundai over 20 years ago. Apart from smooth shifts and some increase in fuel consumption, there are virtually no complaints about this transmission.

There are numerous cases where such transmissions served 300,000 kilometers or more. Oil changes are recommended every 90,000 kilometers.

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

More powerful engines were equipped with the JF011 series CVT, which was also installed on the Outlander and many other vehicles from Nissan and Renault to Suzuki.

Among mechanics, the JF011 is considered quite a decent unit. Serious problems rarely occur before 150-200,000 kilometers of mileage. One typical malfunction is a finicky selector that may not switch modes. Often the problem is solved by resoldering contacts.

A more serious problem is overheating. This is especially relevant for post-facelift vehicles that lack an external CVT cooling radiator. Responsible owners install additional cooling themselves.

Pre-facelift Lancers have a radiator, but it's poorly located - behind the left front bumper, where it's easily damaged even in minor accidents and quickly becomes dirty.

Another cause of CVT failure is oil leaks through external cooling circuit fittings, which can corrode by 100-120,000 kilometers.

All-Wheel Drive

The Lancer IX was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. The all-wheel drive system includes a rear differential, multi-disc clutch, and driveshaft.

In the rear differential, it's important to change oil every 60,000 kilometers. The driveshaft center bearing usually requires replacement at 100-150,000 kilometers of mileage.

The most expensive system component is the multi-disc clutch. To extend its service life, it's important to avoid aggressive driving, especially wheel spin and sharp maneuvers.

Suspension

When the Lancer IX first appeared on the market, rumors immediately spread about suspension reliability problems compared to the ninth generation. These words contained considerable truth - Japanese engineers indeed had to refine the suspension during production.

In 2008, new rear wheel bearings appeared, as previous ones didn't last longer than 60-70,000 kilometers. In 2011 and 2014, front shock absorbers were redesigned - the first version with short dust boots failed after 20-30,000 kilometers.

Unfortunately, the Japanese didn't strengthen the rear bushings of front control arms, which last about 60,000 kilometers. After replacing them with metal joints, the owner gets a reprieve of 30-40,000 kilometers, then it's time to replace ball joints.

The main suspension consumables are stabilizer bar bushings, which last a maximum of 30,000 kilometers. Front stabilizer links serve about 40,000 kilometers. Front strut mount bearings also proved short-lived.

Interesting detail: low-power Lancer versions didn't get a rear stabilizer bar, but enthusiasts can install one themselves - all necessary mounting points are provided.

Brake System

The Lancer brake system requires regular maintenance. It's necessary to clean caliper guides and lubricate pins - without such prevention, mechanisms seize and brake pads stop fully retracting from discs.

Guides start rattling after 40-50,000 kilometers, but this problem is solved by installing appropriate repair kits.

There's an opinion that Lancer brakes don't like aggressive driving. To improve characteristics, some owners install brake discs from the Outlander.

Steering System

Different steering mechanisms were installed on the Lancer IX. 1.5-liter versions received electric power steering, which initially could suddenly fail. Such cases were rare but unpleasant.

Early batches of 1.5-liter cars also disappointed with short tie rod end life - at best, joints lasted 40,000 kilometers. Later the situation improved, and tie rod ends began lasting 60-70,000 kilometers.

Cars with hydraulic power steering have a characteristic problem - high-pressure line seepage at the junction of rubber and metal parts. With age, leaks may also appear in the return line, usually closer to the steering rack mounting point.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Lancer IX cannot be called a reliability benchmark, but with proper configuration selection and competent maintenance, it's quite a worthy automobile. The most preferable option is the two-liter version with manual transmission - such a combination provides optimal balance of reliability and dynamic characteristics.

When choosing a used example, it's worth avoiding cars with the 1.5-liter engine due to its oil consumption tendency. Versions with more powerful engines, with proper care, can serve long and reliably, confirming the reputation of Japanese quality.

The Lancer IX became a worthy conclusion to the legendary model's history, combining modern design, acceptable reliability, and affordable maintenance. For those seeking a practical and economical car to operate, a properly chosen Lancer IX can be an excellent solution.

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