Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer (1992–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 22 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
22
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$3,500
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Lancer faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014G63T Spun Rod Bearings at High Mileage or After Modification (Evo VII–IX)
CriticalOccasionalEngine $5,000–$18,000 to fix
The 4G63 turbocharged engine in Evo VII, VIII, and IX variants is susceptible to spun big-end rod bearings when operated at high oil temperatures without adequate maintenance, or when power is increased beyond stock levels. The bearings spin in the connecting rod bore, scoring the crankshaft journal and destroying the rod. Contributing factors include extended oil change intervals, use of non-OEM specification oil, oil starvation during hard cornering when the oil level is low, and high-boost aftermarket tuning. Many NZ Evo examples are modified and have unknown service histories from JDM import. Early signs include a low rumbling knock at idle or on deceleration.
Symptoms to notice
Deep rhythmic knock from lower engine, worst at idle and on deceleration
Oil pressure warning light at idle
Metallic particles or shavings in oil on drain
Sudden onset of engine knock after hard driving
Low oil level at service interval
What to check
Start cold and listen immediately for lower engine knock — bearing knock is loudest when cold. Check oil level, colour, and condition. Remove oil filler cap and check for metallic smell. If possible, check oil pressure with mechanical gauge at idle warm. Ask about oil change frequency and boost levels. Any modification including aftermarket turbo, intercooler, or ECU tune raises risk significantly.
Where to look: Lower engine block — connecting rod bearings on crankshaft journals
Ask the seller
“Has the engine been modified and if so what tune/power level?”
“How frequently was the oil changed and what brand/grade was used?”
“Has the engine ever knocked or had oil pressure issues?”
“Is this a grey import and can you provide any Japanese service history?”
02Power Steering Hose and Rack Seal Leaks
MinorCommonFluid Leaks $180–$650 to fix
Standard Lancers with hydraulic power steering develop leaks at the high-pressure hose crimped ends and at the rack pinion seals. The high-pressure hose is routed close to the exhaust and heat causes the rubber to harden and crack at the metal crimp fittings. Rack seals also deteriorate with age, producing slow weeps that contaminate the subframe and inner CV boots. Power steering fluid loss causes increasing steering effort and can lead to pump damage if ignored.
Symptoms to notice
Power steering fluid puddle under front of vehicle
Stiff or heavy steering, particularly at low speed
Whining or groaning from power steering pump
Visible oily residue on power steering rack or subframe
Burning smell from fluid dripping on exhaust
What to check
Inspect high-pressure hose full length including crimped ends for weeping or staining. Check rack boots for oily contamination — squeeze boots to check for internal fluid. Check fluid reservoir level and condition. Look for staining on front subframe below the rack.
Where to look: Engine bay — high-pressure hose from pump to rack; rack pinion seals at each end of steering rack
Ask the seller
“Has the power steering ever been topped up between services?”
“Has any power steering work been done, including hose or rack replacement?”
“Is there any heaviness in the steering at low speed?”
EngineCritical
Body & RustCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
20 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Lancer
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 22 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Lancer, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Lancer with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mitsubishi Lancer?
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We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Mitsubishi Lancer, covering engine, body & rust, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Lancer?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Lancer fall between $600–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mitsubishi Lancer?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Lancer inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.