Mitsubishi Lancer Gearbox & Transmission Problems

It could be that the gearbox linkages are poorly adjusted, meaning that the gearbox is not fully selecting fifth gear, allowing it to jump into neutral. But it could also be that the selectors themselves are worn or that there’s internal wear inside the transmission that is allowing the gearbox to leap from fifth to neutral all on its own. Either way, it’s a problem that could lead to a range of potentially dangerous situations, so it needs further investigation.

It’s probably worth mentioning that a batch of five-speed manual Lancers made between May and June 2014 were recalled to fix a problem with the gear selectors which could see them suffer gear-selection problems with reverse and fifth gear. Your car, as a 2011 model, shouldn’t be affected by that, but it does seem a bit of a coincidence.

You say it is a slight vibration, which makes me think it’s not serious. It could just be caused by wear. I wouldn’t be concerned about it if it were my car, after all it’s not a new car.

Unless you are buying a manual I would rule the Cruze out, the automatic is trouble in that model and not worth the risk. If you do but a Cruze I would choose the 1.8-litre engine. Others to think of are the Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

Mitsubishi has recalled a number of 2015 and 2016 models in North America for a hesitation problem with the CVT. The problem is a slow response when accelerating. But overall the CVT seems to be quite reliable in the Lancer.

We aren't getting reports of problems with the latest model, the reports we have had relate to 2010 models or so. That said, I would be wary of buying the Cruze, the best thing about them is the cabin size. I would go for the Lancer first and Pulsar second, the Cruze a long last.

You should never cut corners on servicing. Using an independent mechanic, with the correct lubricants, seems a good way to save money.

It does sound like a computer related problem, as you say. Go back to the dealer and be assertive, let them know you are not happy and won't go away until the problem is fixed. By all means contact Mitsubishi direct and request the factory get involved.

Your car has a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is quite different to a conventional automatic transmission in the way it works. What you're observing is probably a characteristic of the CVT as the dealer has told you.

The first thing dealers usually do when they get a shuddering Jazz is to change the transmission fluid, which is a special fluid for the purpose, and that appears to fix most cars. In some cases it doesn't and in those cases it usually means the transmission needs replacing.  Trading the car is drastic, but if that eases your mind then so be it.

You’ve got the failure codes, so follow through on them and you should be able to establish the cause. Sounds like it could be a crankshaft sensor.