2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Recalls on the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
Equipment: labels
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.
Suspension: lower arm
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Exterior lighting
CERTAIN ALFAOTTO COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
1 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 155 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer at a glance
- Trims
- ESLSO-Z Rally
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
Other Mitsubishi Lancer years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer with NHTSA, most often about the visibility. There are 4 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 4 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.