Research · Small Station Wagons
2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SportbackRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. Most complaints involve power train (6) and air bags (5). The EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
25–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
16
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback as of Nov 14, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 14, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2014 – Aug 2024
- Power train6
- Air bags5
- Structure3
- Suspension2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Engine1
- Seat belts1
- Electrical system1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 14, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
6 reports1 fire
“VEHICLE HAS APROX. 100K MILES ON ODOMETER AS OF TIME OF COMPLAINT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR TRANSMISSION "SLOW DOWN" MESSAGE BEFORE. VEHICLE HESITATES FOR APROX. 1-2 SEC. BEFORE MOVING FROM A STOP. VEHICLE THEN PROCEDED TO COMPLETELY STOP AND NOT DRIVE WHILE "DRIVE" RANGE WAS SELECTED. VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC UNTIL DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, SHUT OFF, AND RESTART ENGINE. SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH OUTLANDER VEHICLES OF SIMILAR AGE AND SAME TRANSMISSION, CAUSED BY FAULTY TCM SOFTWARE. MULTIPLE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY SIMILAR FAULTS.”
Air bags
5 reports3 crashes
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V569000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A UNKNOWN LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
Structure
3 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud thumping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over the shoulder of the roadway. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side wheel had caved inward from the top. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was determined that the cross members were rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 14, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer Sportback Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 | 326 |
| Lancer Sportback Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 | 361 |
- 27mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 14, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 14, 2026Vehicle 8007
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2014 Lancer Sportback questions
How many recalls does the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 14, 2026.
What are the most common 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback problems?
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (6), air bags (5), structure (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 14, 2026