Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems by Year
NHTSA has 229 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, across 13 model years (2003–2015). The 2003 model year has the most complaints (98). The most reported problem area overall is power train.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Lancer Evolution year: 2003, 2006, 2008, 2010. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2003 Lancer Evolution: 98 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2008 Lancer Evolution: 36 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2010 Lancer Evolution: 28 complaints, 5 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2009 Lancer Evolution: 2 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2012 Lancer Evolution: 3 complaints, 1 recall
- 2015 Lancer Evolution: 3 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train problems | 134 | 10 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 31 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 25 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 16 | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 2003: power train (65)
All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Lancer Evolution | 3 | 2 | — | Power Train | |
| 2014 Lancer Evolution | 6 | 2 | — | Power Train | |
| 2013 Lancer Evolution | 4 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2012 Lancer Evolution | 3 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2011 Lancer Evolution | 11 | 3 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 Lancer Evolution | 28 | 5 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2009 Lancer Evolution | 2 | 5 | — | Engine | |
| 2008 Lancer Evolution | 36 | 4 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2007 Lancer Evolution | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2006 Lancer Evolution | 24 | 2 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2005 Lancer Evolution | 14 | 2 | — | Steering | More complaints than other years |
| 2004 Lancer Evolution | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2003 Lancer Evolution | 98 | 2 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Mitsubishi: all Mitsubishi models · Mitsubishi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2003 (98), 2006 (24), 2008 (36), 2010 (28) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Lancer Evolution year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Power Train, with 134 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
14 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.