AI DamageMitsubishi Lancer Evolution: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution across 11 model years: 229 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 59% of all complaints
- 2 Electronic stability control 14% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 11% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 6% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 5% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 4% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 4% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 134 complaints (59% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 31 complaints (14% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 25 complaints (11% of all).
- Electrical system: 16 complaints (7% of all).
- Structure: 13 complaints (6% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 229 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 134 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The car axles from the front wheels fell off that the brakes stopped working and I couldn't stop the car. For 2014 car and 184295 miles it was very strange. It happen in the street l just was coming out of the highway. Police report (17-34721) insurance claim (171234952) recall (1-263434426)
Prior to the automobile accident on december 27, 2005 there was no problems with the vehicle. Was purchased in july of 2005 (demo car-used). The accident happen as follows, it was cold that night I was making a right turn going west into the middle lane. Unfortunately my car did not go straight but continue to turn.
Prior to the automobile accident on december 27,2005 there was no problems with the vehicle to my knowledge. It was purchased in july 2005 , demo-used car. The accident happened as follows: it was very cold that evening, I was making a right turn going west into the middle lane, unfortunately my car did not go…
This condition allows for unintended movement of the right front wheel and was caused by structural failure of the front crossmember at the control arm to chassis attachment point due to corrosion exactly as described in SR-20-003REV_2.
The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the drive belt was making a loud squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to universal mitsubishi ([address], duarte, [ZIP]) however, the vehicle was rejected to be service.
Upon inspection of the undercarriage in the rear, areas of severe corrosion has developed underneath the rear on the aluminum subframe bar that holds the rear differential and other suspension components in place such as the rear differential & lateral control bars that can surely compromise the cars ability to drive…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.