Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Lancer Evolution averaged 29 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Silverado averaged 510.5, with 5,105 total complaints. The Silverado also had 100 recalls versus 27 for the Evo. Both show serious issues, but the Silverado's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance sports sedan that demands attentive maintenance. Over 10 years, it averaged 29 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, especially clutch and transmission failures reported at low mileage. Electrical and engine problems also appear, such as oil consumption and random electrical shutdowns. While it has fewer complaints than the Silverado, the severity of power train failures can lead to costly repairs.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck with a much higher complaint volume, averaging 510.5 complaints per year over 10 years. Engine and power train issues dominate, with reports of sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation. Electrical and brake complaints also frequent, including braking loss and inoperable steering. These patterns suggest that while the Silverado is popular, it may require more frequent attention to major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 290 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 01POWER TRAIN113
- 02ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)40
- 03ENGINE36
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING26
Owners report clutch failure as early as 1,847 miles and transmission giving out around 28,000 miles. These failures can leave the car undrivable and are expensive to fix, making pre-purchase inspection critical.
Complaints describe the instrument panel flashing and driving-mode lights illuminating unexpectedly, sometimes at 0 mph. This could indicate sensor or module faults that affect stability control, a key safety feature.
Reports include excessive oil consumption, requiring a quart every 1,000 miles, and master slave cylinder failure. Oil consumption can lead to engine damage if not monitored, and cylinder issues can cause clutch problems.
Owners describe random clicking noises, dashboard lights flickering, and the car shutting off when in park. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, potentially leaving the driver stranded.
“I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH 200 MILES ON IT AT 700 MILES TOOK IT IN FOR LATCHES AND RATTLES. SINCE THAT HAIR EVERY 8K MIKES IT NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH AT 22K MILES MADTER SLAVE FAILED TRANSMISSION STARTED TO GIVE OUT AT 28K MILES. PLEASE REVIVE SAWC EVERY 1,000 M…”
“I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION, AND TWO MONTHS LATER @ 1847 MILES, THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO WARRANTY REPAIR THE FAILURE, SO I STARTED INVESTIGATING THEIR CLUTCHES. IT TURNS OUT SIX LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS AS WELL AS 4 MI…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Owners report severe issues like loss of motive power at 70 mph, loud pinging sounds, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can cause sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly going into neutral while driving slowly uphill, and transmission problems linked to engine failures. This can lead to loss of control and dangerous situations.
Reports describe sudden loss of braking with a firm pedal, and loss of motive power with inoperable brakes and steering. These electrical faults can disable critical safety systems, posing serious risk.
Owners report braking effectiveness loss, with the pedal remaining firm but the vehicle not stopping normally. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — 27 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
The risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines,…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owne…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this reca…
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT I…
The risk: IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OW…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has far fewer complaints per year (29.0 vs. 510.5), but its issues often involve major components like the clutch and transmission. The Chevrolet Silverado's higher complaint rate reflects more frequent problems across engines, power trains, and brakes, some of which are severe. In practice, the Evo may need fewer visits but potentially costly repairs, while the Silverado may demand more frequent attention to a wider range of systems.
Key differences
- The Lancer Evolution averages 29 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages 510.5, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the Silverado.
- Power train complaints dominate the Evo, with clutch failures reported as early as 1,847 miles, whereas Silverado power train issues include sudden neutral engagement and transmission problems.
- Engine issues in the Evo often involve oil consumption, while Silverado engine complaints include loss of power and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation.
- Electrical problems in the Evo cause dashboard flickering and shutdowns, but in the Silverado they can lead to loss of braking and steering, which are more immediately dangerous.
- Check for clutch wear or failure by testing engagement and looking for slipping, as owners report failures under 2,000 miles.
- Inspect for oil consumption by checking oil level and looking for leaks or blue exhaust smoke, as some owners add a quart every 1,000 miles.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any loss of effectiveness or unusual pedal feel, as owners report sudden braking loss.
- Listen for engine pinging or knocking and check for diesel particulate filter warning lights, especially on diesel models, due to soot accumulation reports.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the top complaint areas.
- For the Lancer Evolution, test drive at various speeds and check clutch operation, electrical functions, and oil level.
- For the Silverado, test drive and check engine performance, transmission shifting, brake response, and electrical systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for clutch, transmission, and engine services.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution total complaints
- 290
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution total recalls
- 27
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE