2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer was a compact car offering practicality and economy. It was available with a 2.0L 4G94 SOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine producing 120 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciated the Lancer’s fuel efficiency and affordability. Common dislikes include a somewhat unrefined interior and modest performance from the base engine.

Engine

2.0L 4G94 SOHC 16-Valve Inline-4

• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, clunking noises, especially during acceleration or shifting. Worn or cracked rubber on the engine mounts.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty engine mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, poor fuel economy, rough idling, or failed emissions test.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor (upstream or downstream).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, or difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the IAC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, failure to shift into certain gears, or transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, stalling at low speeds, abnormal noises from the transmission area.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Excessive vibration or harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noises from the suspension, especially when turning. Loose or broken sway bar links.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or operating slowly. Grinding noises coming from the door panel.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light, difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around the wheel wells, rocker panels, and other areas, especially in regions with road salt use.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted body panels. Prevention with rustproofing treatments can help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard surface due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) - $800+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the roof of the car and sagging down.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner fabric.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, while generally reliable, has some common issues. Engine mount failures and oxygen sensor problems are prevalent. Electrical issues such as power window regulators and alternators can occur. Rust and interior issues like dashboard cracking and headliner sagging also affect this model. Repair costs vary but can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the severity of the problem.