Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 217 consumer complaints across the 7 model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2003–2014) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 98. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (127 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
Best and worst Lancer Evolution years →
All Lancer Evolution model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 43,000 | 2 | 65 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 11 | 35,750 | 3 | 83 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 28 | 39,500 | 5 | 87 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 36 | 45,000 | 4 | 82 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2006 | 24 | 35,500 | 2 | 30 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 14 | 65,000 | 2 | 41 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 98 | 12,098 | 2 | 37 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain127 52%
- Electronic stability control30 12%
- Engine cooling25 10%
- Electrical system16 6.6%
- Body and structure13 5.3%
- Fuel system12 4.9%
- Suspension10 4.1%
- Other or unknown10 4.1%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “While driving I had all 3 acd lights come on. Upon further investigating and a trip to the dealership I was told my acd pump was bad and I would need a new one. This is a common problem in these cars that still hasn't been fixed with the newer models. I was quoted 2400 dollars just for the pump, not including labor, and that doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #10928414, filed 2016-11, 60,000 miles2010: “Every Mitsubishi lancer evo x keeps having the same problem with our acd/ayc pump failure that will cost me/owner a staggering 2000 to 3000 dollars to fix. This is clearly show how the part is really weak and should be under warranty to fix it. Please help us have the Mitsubishi pay for this crappy part included on an expensive car. Hope you here my voice.”
NHTSA complaint #10515037, filed 2013-06, 29,300 miles2006: “My acd hydraulic pump has failed. Rpm's surge when accelerating and when at idle, I feel like it is putting my engine under extreme pressure. From my research I have seen this is a very common problem with the Mitsubishi lance evolutions. There has been no recall, and what they are charging to get a new one which you can only get from the dealership is ridiculously expensive. Something needs to be done about this!”
NHTSA complaint #10563132, filed 2014-02, 116,500 milesOther Mitsubishi models
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689 complaintsMitsubishi Diamante
502 complaintsMitsubishi Outlander Sport
472 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology