MotorDeets

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Lancer Evolution from 2003 to 2015: 229 owner complaints and 31 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (98), 2008 (36), 2010 (28). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (2015).

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Photo: Niels de Wit · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain134
Stability control31
Engine & cooling25
Electrical16
Body & structure13
Suspension11
Other / unknown10
Steering10

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200329819
20041019
200521419
200622419
200710–
200843619
20095219
201052819
201131119
20121319
20131419
20142619
20152319

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

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Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (98), 2008 (36), 2010 (28).

How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution had?

Across 2003–2015, NHTSA lists 31 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).