Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls โ NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution options? We analyzed 10 model years (2005โ2015) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns โ they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 290 owner complaints and 27 safety recalls across model years 2005โ2015. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2010 drew the most complaints; 2009 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer Evolution
- Model years analyzed
- 2005โ2015 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 290
- Safety recall campaigns
- 27
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2010 (79 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2009 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used โ lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record โ lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION has 290 NHTSA complaints and 27 recalls on record. 18 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 290 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 27 federal recall campaigns
- 18 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
27 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005โ2015. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 290 NHTSA complaints โ these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
290 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE BELT WAS MAKING A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSAL MITSUBISHI (1125 CENTRAL AVE, DUARTE, CA 91010) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TENSIONER PULLEY CAUSED THE DRIVE BELT TO LOOSEN AND CUT BY THE EDGES OF THE PULLEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V069000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
THE SIDE WALL CRACKED ON MY TIRES AFTER TWO YEARS OF USE, I NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM.
The vehicle's right front lower control arm is no longer secured to it's inner rear mounting location at the front crossmember. This condition allows for unintended movement of the right front wheel and was caused by structural failure of the front crossmember at the control arm to chassis attachment point due to corrosion exactly as described in SR-20-003REV_2. SR-20-003REV_2 only applies to certain earlier model year vehicles of the same type and design (Lancer model years 2008-2010). Later model years 2011-2015 are not mentioned in SR-20-003REV_2. The subject of this complaint is a 2013 Lancer Evolution. SR-20-003REV_2 should be expanded to include newer model year vehicles as the remaining fleet continues to age and deteriorate. A Mitsubishi dealer has confirmed the problem. Repair estimate out of pocket cost exceeds $5500.00 (replacement parts plus 25 hours labor). The vehicle is now considered unsafe to operate on public roads and must be towed away from the dealer.
ACD PUMP FAIL PUMP FAILURE DUE TO KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. MANUFACTURER FAILS TO REPLACE OR RECTIFY THE DESIGN EVEN WITH MULTIPLE CASES OF PUMP FAILURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE RPMS INCREASED AND METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,900.
THE AYC PUMP FAILED. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
Needs a new motor. I know other 2015 Mitsubishi lancers were recalled for the same reason and this one should be also.
I was working on my 2015 Mitsubishi this weekend when i noticed how bad the rear subframe is rusted away. It actually has a crack along it from rusting. I do know there was a recall on the from crossmember for the same exact reason. If that were to break it could be fatal on a highway. I am currently trying to figure out what to do now since it is very unsafe.
The rear crossmember subframe is rusted out very badly, and has all the rear axel and components attached to it. This is very unacceptable for car that cost nearly 40 grand.
About 3 weeks ago I notice that the driver seat belt didnโt wanted to click to fasten the seat belt. I notice for sometime now that the car sometimes. Kind of stall then you have to step on the gas pedal to proceed and Iโm afraid someone will hit me from the back because it doesnโt go when itโs suppose to also like when you turn it stalls and then you give it gas and it goes then
Without any prior warning lights or issues with the car. While i drove to work, about 10-15 miles away or 20 min drive, i came to a stop at a red light and when it turned green the car could not get into 2nd gear and would juts rev mostly in place. First gear didnt really have any pull. After a few seconds it finally took second gear but it jerked the car off causing it to stop very suddenly and thats when the service transmission light came on. I was stuck at the light for at least 5 minutes, canโt imagine that happening on the highway. I took the car to the dealership they said they found a code P183D which basically means i need a new transmission. This car has barely 90,000 miles and they are quoting me over $15,000 just for the parts. They privided me with a TSB which list my car as a year and model with known issue but told me the repairs are not covered by the manufacturer.
THE AYC/ACD PUMP ON MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE ON HAS 33,000 MILES ON IT. THE FAILURE OF THIS PUMP IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE EVOLUTION X PLATFORM. THERE IS CURRENT RECALLS FOR OTHER EVOLUTION X YEARS THAT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE 2015 MODEL. THE FAILURE IS DO IN PART TO CORROSION CAUSED BY THE LOCATION OF THE PUMP AND THE ABILITY FOR WATER, SNOW AND SALT TO GET ON AND INTO THE PUMP. MY CAR IS FROM THE NORTHEAST WHERE SALT IS A COMMON THING IN THE WINTER. I BELIEVE THIS HAS CAUSED THE FAILURE.
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 MILES I'VE OWNED THAT CAR MITSUBISHI STATED NO PROBLEMS FOUND AT THIS TIME. BUT IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE ONCE DRIVEN. I WORKED FOR ELDER MITSUSHITTY AND THEY REFUSED MY WARRANTY SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH CASH IN MY BANK ACCOUNT TO COVER THE COST OF A REPAIR IF THE WARTY DIDN'T COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY FOR SOME REASON I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WOULDN'T OF. SO I HAD TO REPOSSESS THIS CAR DUE TO THE ISSUES AND CAR MAX PURCHASED IT AND MISSION MITAUBISHI COULD NOT DIAG IT EVEN THOUGH CARMAX TOOK IT IN FOR THE TRANSMISSION POPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR. I AM THE ONLY 2015 MITAUBISHI CERTIFIED SALES ASSOCIATE IN AUSTIN TEXAS. AND THE DEALERSHIP NEGLECTED MY CONCERNS SO I HAD TO REPO MY VEHICLE AND QUIT DUE TO REPAIRS HEY WHERE TRYING TO FORCE ME TO PURCHASE ANOTHER AND ROLL OVER 20K UPSIDE DOWN THEY SOLD A STOLEN EVO FOR MSRP OF MY USED CAR. THIS EVO KILLED ME AND NO ONE KNEW HOW TO SIMPLE WORK. CARFAX HAS YET TO SELL IT SINCE MISSION MITAUBISHI COULD NOT DIAG SOMETHING I COULD, OR CARMAX. ALSO CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT 6 TIMES DUE TO CAR SMELLED LIKE RAW FUEL DUE TO FUEL LEAK 3 TIMES TAKEN TO SERVICE IN 3 YEARS. MECHANIC FREAKED OUT FROM THE SMELL WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE FUEL LEAK. I MEMORIZED THE VIN FROM HOW MANY TIMES I TOOK IT INTO SERVICE.
WHEN YOU GO TO YOU PRESS ON THE GAS IT STARTS TO STALL OUT. THIS STARTED 24 HOURS AFTER I DRIVE OFF FROM USED CAR LOT. AND UPON FURTHER REVIEW, IT DID HAVE A RECALL AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT. HOWEVER IT'S DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL STATES.ITS DANGEROUS AND I HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO GETTING HIT BECAUSE THE CAR STALLS OUT.
WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLS.AND THEN IT JERKS WHEN YOU DO ACCELERATE AND THIS MORNING IT STALLED OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AND I ALMOST GOT HIT I HAVE CONTACTED THE USED CAR LOT THAT I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR THREE DAYS AND I'VE CALLED IN 24 HOURS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR IT'S DANGEROUS.IN THIS HAPPENS IN SUBDIVISIONS IT HAPPENS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS ON THE HIGHWAY EVERY TIME YOU GO TO ACCELERATE THE CAR JERKS AND THEN ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OUT AND THEN THIS MORNING.
TENSIONER BROKE RELEASING THE SERPENTINE BELT. LOST POWER STEERING, COOLING AND AC. CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IMMOBILE. ENDED UP TAKING UR TO SHOP AND THEY FOUND THE CRACKED TENSIONER AND RUINED BELT THAT ONLY HAD ABOUT 10K MILES
'TAKATA RECALL' I RAN INTO A TREE AT 55MPH AND HIT A TREE. WHEN I HIT THE TREE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 1130 AT NIGHT NO RAIN OR ANYTHING. I HIT A DEER AT 72 MPH LOTS OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND DRIVERSIDE.. MY SEST BELT WAS LOCKED BUT NOT ONE OF MY AIR BAGS COME OUT..
CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN JUST UNDER 6 MONTHS WITH NO ABUSE AND WITH JUST AT 10,000 MILES THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER CLAIM WEAR ITEM. IF THE CAR HAD 40,00 OR MORE MILES I MIGHT ACCEPT, BUT THEY BUILT A CAN WITH AN ENGINE THAT PRODUCES OVER 300 FT.LBS. OF TORQUE, AND APPARENTLY INSTALLED A CLUTCH AND PRESSURE PLATE THAT DOES NOT HAVE ADEQUATE CLAMPING AND HOLDING ABILITIES FOR THE ENGINE IN THE CAR. THE ARE CLAIMING WEAR ITEM AND WANT APPROXIMATELY $2,000.00 FOR THE REPAIR OF WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A DEFECTIVE OR INTENTIONALLY INSUFFICIENT PART TO PROPERLY CONTAIN THE OUTPUT OF THE CARS ENGINE AND ARE PASSING THE COST ON TO THE BUYERS. THESE ARE ALSO NOT ENTRY LEVEL CARS AND ARE ADVERTISED AS HIGH POWER, PERFORMANCE CARS. CLUTCH BEGAN SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING THEREBY CREATING AN UNSAFE OPERATING CONDITION. AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ALSO PURCHASED AND THE CLAIM IS BEING DENIED BY BOTH THE MANUFACTURE, AND THE ADD ON WARRANTY COMPANY AS WEAR ITEMS,
VEHICLE WILL AT RANDOM MAKE A CLICKING NOISE, WHILE ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WILL FLICKER ON & OFF. IF CAR IS IN DRIVE, IT WILL NOT SHUT OFF. HOWEVER, WHEN IN PARK, IF THE CLICKING/FLASHING OCCURS, THE CAR WILL SHUTOFF & NOT TURN BACK ON. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MITSUBISHI DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, TO WHICH THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER SOLVED. CAR HAS BEEN STALLED OUT COMPLETELY (WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL EXCEPT CLICKING/FLASHING) FOR GOING ON 2 WEEKS. MITSUBISHI CORPORATE WILL NOT ASSIST AS THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE DEALER STATES IT IS THE LOJACK COMPONANT (WHICH WAS INSTALLED BY DEALER PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE IN 2015). LOJACK STATES IT IS NOT THEIR PRODUCT AS IT IS SELF-SUSTAINING & WILL NOT PROHIBIT THE BATTERY OF THE VEHILCLE. MITSUBISHI SAYS ITS LOJACK SHORTING OUT THE BATTERY. THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM (CITY MITSUBISHI) WAS SOLD & IS NOW NORTHSTAR MITSUBISHI. COPORATE REFUSES TO ASSIST, & THE LOCAL DEALERS WILL NOT ASSIST. MY CAR IS NOT OPERABLE.
Showing 20 of 290 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations โ hereโs what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is โ but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 290 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 27 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 18 of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's 290 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions โ a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable โ simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles on the road โ not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage โ NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliability โ frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
Poor. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 290 NHTSA owner complaints and 27 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2010 (79 complaints), 2008 (59 complaints), 2011 (45 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (113 complaints); ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (40 complaints); ENGINE (36 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?
Yes โ 27 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.