Most common 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year
Best Lancer Evolution years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2006. Compare all years →
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls (2)
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.
What 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owners say
Engine & cooling
I first noticed that my 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rs started to make a grinding/scrapping noise that seemed to be generating from the timing belt area. The car had approximately 18,000 miles on the odometer. It seemed to be a noise that was present at idle and upon cold start ups. I started to research this on various forums and internet, only to find that it was a common problem with a clear solution. There have been a few dealerships who have seemed to have resolved this issue but each fix seemed to vary within the timing belt area. The timing belt, sensor blade, tensioner, tensioner pulleys, etc. Have been known to cause this issue. I drove my car 3.5 hrs to an outstanding Mitsubishi dealership which could not diagnosis my problem. It appears that the drive made whatever it was go away for the moment. This scares me! …
My 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution 9 started to make abnormal engine noises audible within the cab. The car has been serviced regularly and is more than well kept... The noise comes from within the timing belt cover and sounds much like a washing machine. This noise is also well documented among evo 9 owners. Here is a link to the thread. Http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-engine-turbo-drivetrain/262773-ix-engine-idle-noise-belt-video.html it appears that the timing wheel rubs on the timing belt and causes this noise. The current fix is to replace your timing belt, crankshaft blade(timing wheel), and timing belt tensioner regardless of mileage or timing belt service intervals at the expense of the owner. If the timing belt were to fail from heat generated due to friction (rubbing) the engine would be damaged beyond repair (interference engine) not to mention the vehicle would be stranded... …
Brakes
I was heading to a class when I noticed my clutch pedal went almost all the way to the floor. The clutch was still disengaging/engaging when I shifted so I made it to my destination. I was worried about driving it but I decided to try and see if it was still doing it, so I tried to back out of a spot but it would no longer go into gear and the clutch pedal was all the way to the floor. Turned out my brake master cylinder was faulty and I learned through online forums and friends that it was a common issue with the Lancer Evolution. I was surprised at that and wondered why Mitsubishi would not issue a recall for faulty brake master cylinders. It dawned on me that most people with this type of car are the "do it yourself" kind of person and more than likely were fixed by the owners of the cars, therefor never reported through mechanics or dealerships. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I was heading to a class when I noticed my clutch pedal went almost all the way to the floor. The clutch was still disengaging/engaging when I shifted so I made it to my destination. I was worried about driving it but I decided to try and see if it was still doing it, so I tried to back out of a spot but it would no longer go into gear and the clutch pedal was all the way to the floor. Turned out my brake master cylinder was faulty and I learned through online forums and friends that it was a common issue with the Lancer Evolution. I was surprised at that and wondered why Mitsubishi would not issue a recall for faulty brake master cylinders. It dawned on me that most people with this type of car are the "do it yourself" kind of person and more than likely were fixed by the owners of the cars, therefor never reported through mechanics or dealerships. …
There is an active center differential pump failure that is becoming common in all Lancer evolutions of this year. Mine went out last year and I have been having to drive with it for a year now not knowing whether the differential is corroding at an accelerated rate of not. I did this because after I had my vehicle assessed they told it would be $2500 to replace. I researched online and found that this is a very common problem and can be dangerous therefore causing me to have to pay this absurd amount even with knowing that almost 60% of evo drivers have to deal with this same issue.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Lancer Evolution rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Lancer Evolution at the same age. It is one of the Lancer Evolution years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The engine & cooling — 13 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the brakes (3) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent from June 23, 2016 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2008, 2010 and 2006. See the full Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 70% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.