MitsubishiLancer Sportback20092.0L/mitsubishi/lancer-sportback/2009/2-0l/

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback — 2.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Lancer Sportback 2.0L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.0LTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a passenger car equipped with a 2.0‑liter engine that requires 5.9 quarts of 5W‑30 API‑rated oil and is coupled to an Automatic (S6) transmission, achieving EPA‑rated 17 city/25 highway/20 combined mpg. The model recorded a total of 121 owner complaints, with power‑train problems accounting for the largest share, and nine recall campaigns were filed. Its production span from 2004 to 2014 shows the 2009 year contributing to a cumulative complaint count that exceeds the 16 complaints recorded in the peak 2014 model year. Consequently, the 2009 Lancer Sportback is positioned as a relatively stable variant within the lineup, offering modest reliability relative to its most troublesome year.

Model year2015201420132012201120102009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/25/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 520 CCA battery, OE oil filter MD356000. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 520 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterMD356000 alt MZ690116
Engine air filter1500A023 alt 1500A086
Fuel filter1770A268 alt 1770A273
Spark plugMN163235 alt MN163236
Front wiper blades8250A186 alt MZ693021
Serpentine belt4451A114 alt 4451A115
Thermostat1305A802
Cabin air filter7803A004

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length179.9 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height58.7 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight2921 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 25 / 20 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.9 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.3 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Power Steering FluidGenuine Mitsubishi PS fluid

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts184 Turbo ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts73 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts32-40 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts32-40 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs19 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 Turbo rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.06-1.15 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.70-3.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance520 cca
Standard BCI Cranking Performance700 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-183 °F
Engine Compression152
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle89-111 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket28-36 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle67-74 ft-lbs / 38-44 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle52-66 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket48-62 ft-lbs / 28-36 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle67-74 ft-lbs / 38-48 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-10015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
125-27 ft. lbs.25–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts. Apply an appropriate amount of engine oil to top and bottom surface of washers and threaded portion of bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat bolt threads with clean engine oil.

125.0-27.0 ft. lbs.25–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Fuel System (inspect)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sits amid a generation that shows a modest rise in complaints relative to earlier years, with 8 complaints reported in 2004 and only 3 in 2013, but a spike to 16 in 2014. Recall activity remains absent across all listed years, indicating no major safety overhauls during this period. The 2009 model’s top complaint categories—Power Train (21), Engine (15), Exterior Lighting (7), and Electrical System (6)—highlight drivetrain and engine issues that were not prominent in the 2004 or 2013 data, suggesting a deterioration trend in these areas. Crash‑related complaints total 11, while fire complaints are relatively low at 3, comparable to the 2013 figure of 1 investigation. Overall, 2009 appears to be a transitional year where complaint volume and specific component concerns are higher than in the previous generation but before the sharp increase seen in 2014; therefore, it may be a cautious purchase, especially if recent service history addresses the noted drivetrain and engine issues.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
119
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
121
Owner complaints
11 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 121 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train21
Engine15
Exterior Lighting7
Electrical System6
Engine & Engine Cooling5
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting4
Unknown Or Other4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V279000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 18/05/2020

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or…

18V069000Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated PulleysReported 26/01/2018

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 119 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TECH TALK 2892025-11-21Electrical SystemTech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics…
TSB-23-22-0012023-07-21Power TrainThis Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional…
DEALER LETTER2023-07-21EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
TSB-23-00-0042023-04-24StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for…
TSB-23-00-0012023-04-24EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Lancer Sportback. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Lancer Sportback 2.0L take?

5.9 qt of 5W-30 SM API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Lancer Sportback have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.0L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.