2006 Mitsubishi Lancer

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four and a 2.4-liter inline-four. The 2.0-liter engine produced 120 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.4-liter engine produced 160 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission was optional.

The Lancer was praised for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and sporty handling. However, it was also criticized for its cramped interior, lack of features, and underpowered engines.

Engine

• 2.0-liter inline-four
  • Intake Manifold Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: A crack in the plastic intake manifold can cause a loss of power, rough idling, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A failed timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage. The symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a rattling noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.4-liter inline-four
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A failed clutch master cylinder can cause the clutch pedal to become spongy or difficult to operate, making it difficult to shift gears.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the transmission fluid pan or lines can cause a loss of fluid, resulting in slipping gears and difficulty shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A failed solenoid can cause the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. The symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed shifts, and check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the failed solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A failed alternator can cause the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. The symptoms include dimming headlights, trouble starting the engine, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: A parasitic drain on the battery can cause the battery to discharge over time, making it difficult to start the vehicle.
  • Solution: Find and fix the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the sunroof can cause water to enter the vehicle’s interior, damaging the upholstery and electronics.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Paint Peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: The paint on the Lancer can peel or chip over time, especially on the hood and roof.
  • Solution: Repaint the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors or switches can fail, causing the power windows to become inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the failed components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system can malfunction, causing the heating or air conditioning to not work properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the failed components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer has some potential reliability issues, particularly with the intake manifold, timing belt, clutch master cylinder, and transmission components. The cost of these repairs can be significant, especially for more complex issues like transmission failure. However, the Lancer is still a relatively affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle, and many owners have reported positive experiences with their cars.