Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | −71% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2014 | 6 | −54% | 2 | Transmission | Good |
| 2011 | 11 | −21% | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 2010 | 28 | 2.4× | 5 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2009 | 2 | −89% | 5 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2008 | 36 | 3.1× | 4 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2006 | 24 | 1.8× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2005 | 14 | −37% | 2 | Steering | Average |
| 2003 | 98 | 7.8× | 2 | Transmission | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Lancer Evolution year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Latest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,…
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced…
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution should you avoid?
2003, 2008, 2010 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Lancer Evolution years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other Lancer Evolution years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (130), engine & cooling (33) and stability & traction control (30). Transmission complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution had?
14 recalls across 2003–2015. The model year with the most is 2009. See all Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.