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Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionYears to avoid, problems & recalls

Based on 229 NHTSA owner complaints across 13 model years, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid are 2003, and the strongest years are 2008 and 2010. The Lancer Evolution has 14 safety recalls on record.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Years to avoid'03Based on weighted complaintsBest years'08 '10Fewest complaints for their ageOwner complaints229Top: Power trainSafety recalls142003–2015 model years

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports. Updated daily. How we score years. Photo: Michael Gil from Toronto, ON, Canada, CC BY 2.0.

Best & worst years

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid

Complaints by model year, colored by the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lancer Evolution median. Tap a year for its full report.

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2015Not rated–/1003 complaints · 2 recalls2014Not rated–/1006 complaints · 2 recalls2013Not rated–/1004 complaints · 1 recall2012Not rated–/1003 complaints · 1 recall2011Not rated–/10011 complaints · 3 recalls2010Solid55/10028 complaints · 5 recalls2009Not rated–/1002 complaints · 5 recalls2008Solid50/10036 complaints · 4 recalls2007Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall2006Not rated–/10024 complaints · 2 recalls2005Not rated–/10014 complaints · 2 recalls2004Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall2003Avoid26/10098 complaints · 2 recalls
Complaints by system

Most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

All model years combined: 229 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train1341
Electronic stability control (ESC)310
Engine and engine cooling251
Electrical system161
Structure130
Suspension110
Steering102
Engine92
Fuel system, gasoline80
14 other systems402
14 recalls

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

Newest first. The ring shows the share of affected vehicles repaired, from the manufacturer's latest report to NHTSA.

26%Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly18V-071 · 2009–2010 · Jan 26, 2018 · 56,641 vehicles71%Starter assembly: relay17V-609 · 2015 · Sep 29, 2017 · 132,552 vehicles17%Control arm: lower arm16V-458 · 2003–2006 · Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles19%Passenger side: inflator module16V-334 · 2006–2007 · May 23, 2016 · 38,628 vehicles57%Storage: tank assembly15V-546 · 2014–2015 · Aug 31, 2015 · 1,497 vehicles53%Electrical system15V-232 · 2010 · Apr 20, 2015 · 53,396 vehicles55%Defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor15V-233 · 2010–2011 · Apr 20, 2015 · 76,958 vehicles45%Gasoline: belts and associated pulleys14V-562 · 2008–2011 · Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles79%Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections14V-281 · 2014 · May 27, 2014 · 146 vehicles57%Power train: manual transmission13V-446 · 2008–2013 · Sep 19, 2013 · 10,474 vehicles–Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive09V-435 · 2008–2009 · Nov 5, 2009 · 29,353 vehicles–Fuel system, other: delivery09V-349 · 2008–2009 · Sep 8, 2009 · 6,903 vehicles

Showing the 12 newest of 14 recalls. Each model-year page lists all recalls for that year.

1 investigation

NHTSA investigations of the Lancer Evolution

  1. Electrical overstressEA19001 · 2013–2015 · closed Sep 19, 2024
    Led to recall 20V-024