2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems & Complaints

Better than average89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Lancer Evolution at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 89% fewer than a typical Lancer Evolution model year at the same age, making the 2009 one of the better Lancer Evolution years. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (1 complaint). 5 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
5recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

  • Wheels & tires
    150%
  • Engine & cooling~90,000 miles
    150%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year

200320052006200820092010201120142015981424362281163
Owner complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Lancer Evolution years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2006. Compare all years →

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls (5)

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 18V-071 · Jan 26, 2018 · 56,641 vehicles

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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 14V-562 · Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Power train › Manual transmission

NHTSA recall 13V-446 · Sep 19, 2013 · 10,474 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA recall 09V-435 · Nov 5, 2009 · 29,353 vehicles

Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer and lancer evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode…

Remedy: Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 27, 2009.

Fuel system, other › Delivery

NHTSA recall 09V-349 · Sep 8, 2009 · 6,903 vehicles

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 in a resonance that, if…

Remedy: 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.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automatic4WD/AWD17 / 22 / 19
2.0L 4-cyl turbo5-speed manual4WD/AWD16 / 22 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Lancer Evolution rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Lancer Evolution at the same age. It is one of the best Lancer Evolution years by this measure. 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 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

The wheels & tires — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?

There are 5 recalls for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent from January 26, 2018 (sun/moon roof assembly). 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 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 0% 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.