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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2015

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 267 owner complaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, covering model years 2003 to 2015. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (99), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 14 recall campaigns on file
  • 267 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 13 model years with data (2003–2015)
  • most complaints: 2003 (99 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (157 complaints)
  • latest recall 18V071000 (reported Jan 26, 2018)
  • 5 complaints reporting a crash (1.9%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a fire (1.1%)
  • 2 complaints reporting an injury (0.7%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year

12 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 99 of 267, or 37.1%. Next come 2008 (59) and 2006 (34). The fewest are for 2009, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2015Column chart of 267 complaints across 13 model years. The highest is 2003 with 99. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 99 complaints9920032004: 2 complaints220042005: 16 complaints1620052006: 34 complaints3420062007: 0 complaints20072008: 59 complaints5920082009: 2 complaints220092010: 28 complaints2820102011: 11 complaints1120112012: 3 complaints320122013: 4 complaints420132014: 6 complaints620142015: 3 complaints32015
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2003991000
200420000
2005163020
2006340000
2008590000
200920000
2010280100
2011110000
201230000
201340100
201461100
201530000
All model years2675320

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 157 complaints (58.8% of all 267), followed by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (36) and Engine and Engine Cooling (25).

Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train15758.8%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3613.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling259.4%
Electrical System197.1%
Structure176.4%
Steering134.9%
Suspension124.5%
Engine103.7%
Unknown or Other103.7%
Fuel System, Gasoline93.4%
Service Brakes72.6%
Visibility62.2%
Vehicle Speed Control51.9%
Exterior Lighting41.5%
Fuel/Propulsion System41.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

14 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Lancer Evolution, newest first. The 14 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2015. The 2009 and 2010 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 14 recall campaigns
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2003: 2 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: 2 campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: 1 campaign2008: 4 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns
2010: 5 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 1 campaign2013: 1 campaign2014: 2 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 18V071000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model years 2009–2010

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 17V609000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

    Model year 2015

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

    Consequence:
    If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 16V458000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model years 2003–2006

    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, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

    Consequence:
    A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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 with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 16V334000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2006–2007

    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. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V546000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly; Parking Brake

    Model years 2014–2015

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles have a right parking brake cable that may contact the fuel tank, wearing away the tank's protective coating.

    Consequence:
    Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake cable, the fuel tank will also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-009.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 15V233000

    Reported

    Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System › Fan/Motor

    Model years 2010–2011

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

    Consequence:
    Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V232000

    Reported

    Electrical System

    Model year 2010

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

    Consequence:
    Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 14V562000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys

    Model years 2008–2011

    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. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

    Consequence:
    If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 14V281000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model year 2014

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, through February 21, 2014, and 2014 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, through February 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the crossmember brace.

    Consequence:
    Due to abrasion and rust, a hole may develop in the power steering tube, allowing the fluid to leak out, resulting in added steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source such as a hot engine or exhaust component.
    Remedy:
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power steering tube for sufficient clearance. If the vehicle has insufficient clearance, the power steering tube assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer notified owners in July 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-004.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 13V446000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model years 2008–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Show 4 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 09V435000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

    Model years 2008–2009

    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 Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and District of Columbia. In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road may cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors.

    Consequence:
    This coating over time may cause corrosion of the sensor. In the event of a vehicle crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit may cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags which could result in driver or passenger injury.
    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. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 09V349000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Other › Delivery

    Model years 2008–2009

    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 continued over time, may cause a stress crack to develop at the fixed portion of the fuel pipe.

    Consequence:
    If this stress crack develops, fuel leakage may occur. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    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. The recall began on September 29, 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 05V335000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings

    Model year 2005

    On certain passenger vehicles, the turbo charger coolant hose was incorrectly manufactured, and may allow coolant leakage.

    Consequence:
    If a leak occurs, during vehicle operation when the manifold is hot, coolant may ignite and cause a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the turbo charger coolant hose free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2005. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V138000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2003

    On certain passenger vehicles sold in the United States and Puerto Rico, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight rating (GAWR) as stated on the certification label are in error.

    Consequence:
    Overloading can damage your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle performance, including handling and braking, cause tire failure, and result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the label. The recall began on May 31, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

    Filed by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?

NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, covering model years 2003 to 2015. The most recent, 18V071000, was reported on January 26, 2018 and is filed under “Visibility”. The 2009 and 2010 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 99 of the 267 complaints in NHTSA’s file (37.1%). The next are 2008 (59) and 2006 (34). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 157 complaints, or 58.8% of all 267. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (36) and Engine and Engine Cooling (25) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mitsubishi dealer.

How many Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 267 complaints, 5 report a crash, 3 a fire, 2 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mitsubishi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mitsubishi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mitsubishi VIN decoder with every Mitsubishi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Mitsubishi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.